SPRING CHECKUP

Many of us have a little more time on our hands these days and since this is the time of year to do some checking around the house, it’s a perfect time to get out of the house and see what might need attention.

Roof shingles: Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during the winter. If your roof covering is older, you may want to start budgeting for replacement. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or missing granules will need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked for possible repair as well.

Gutters and downspouts: There’s a good chance your gutters and downspouts need some care after the winter. Do a perimeter check from the ground to make sure nothing has come loose or detached from the house.

If you are able to climb a ladder safely, check for any clogs and make sure water is able to get to downspouts and that the downspouts extend away from your foundation. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, check with contractors in your area as many offer this service.

Foundation Cracks: Cracks may have occurred in your foundation, walkways or patio during the winter that allow water into the home. Fill these as soon as you can to avoid paying for repairs after the spring rain. Check to ensure your patio and walkways are sloping away from the house so water does not pool near your foundation. Check for low areas around the foundation and fill with compacted soil to ensure water flows away from the home.
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Window Caulking: Scrape off any old caulking around windows and replace. Also check any wood trim or sills for signs of decay and repair or replace as needed.

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