Spring
has sprung and that means it’s time to get your house spruced-up and
ready for the warm months ahead. In addition to planting your vegetable
and flower garden, now’s the time to complete certain home maintenance
tasks that help boost curb appeal, slash your utility bills, and prevent
long-term damage.De-gunk gutters
Remove any blockages and look for signs of bending, damage, and areas where water has been diverted onto the roof or siding. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house. Installing gutter guards is an effective way to prevent blockages caused by leaves and debris. This is also a good time to walk around the house and make sure the ground around the foundation slopes away from the house (about 1 inch per foot). If you have standing water or wet areas, consider adding drainage ditches or installing a French drain (a shallow trench that diverts water away from the house).
Examine the roof and chimney
Now that the snow is gone, it’s time to inspect areas of the roof for signs of trouble. You don’t need to climb on a ladder, using a pair of binoculars will do the trick (and is safer). Look for missing, curling, or damaged shingles. Also look for mold or fungus growing on shingles, which causes discoloration. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired, if necessary, by a qualified roofer.
If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between bricks or stones. Have any fallen out? Also, look for efflorescence—a white calcium-like deposit that indicates your masonry joints are no longer repelling water but absorbing it. Consider resealing masonry with a water-resistant barrier material.
Check the deck
Because decks are exposed to the harshest elements, they require annual maintenance. Decks made of wood should be cleaned and sealed every year to protect the integrity of the wood; even decks made of composite or vinyl decking should be washed annually. The same is true for wood and composite fences, pergolas, trellises and other structures.
Also, every deck should be checked for warped, loose or splintered boards. You also want to check for rotting wood. Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house, the support posts and joists, and any areas that are regularly exposed to water.
Inspect your AC system
Just like your car, your central air conditioner system needs regular tune-ups. Scheduling annual maintenance to the outside unit (or condenser) prevents common problems such as debris clogging cooling fins, dirty coils and low coolant levels from turning into bigger problems later. Be sure to also change interior filters regularly.
Foundation Fissures
When inspecting the exterior of your home, examine the foundation from top to bottom for cracks. While hairline cracks are usually the result of the concrete curing process or minor settling and not a cause for concern, cracks that are more than a quarter-inch wide, can be a sign of something more serious. If you’re unsure if your cracks are signs of trouble, hire a structural engineer who can inspect the type of crack and suggest what should be done.
