Spring Checklist for your Home

Check for shifting shingles, this indicates failed fasteners.
Shingles slightly lifted, could indicate popped nails that allow moisture in.
If debris is collecting in certain areas, you may want to check what’s holding them up.

Any signs of watermarks and stains indicate that water is going where it’s not supposed to.
If stains are collecting near eaves, gutters, and downspouts, it may be a sign of improper runoff. Clean out gutters and resecure them in place to maintain a correct water flow.

Investigate your siding and look for openings or damaged areas from winter weather, these openings can create cozy homes for pests.
If wood siding, pay attention to signs telling you to repaint: chipping, swelling, or wood exposure. To prevent rot and other vulnerabilities.

Cracks. Look for them. Cracks are a sign of movement, some may just be superficial, but some may indicate larger problems. Don’t overlook them, have a structural engineer survey your basement and foundation.

Check caulking and weather stripping and ensure it’s remained intact.
If moisture is collecting between your windows, it’s a sign that the seal has broken, it’s not only sightly but also less energy efficient.
Always look for rot or cracking wood around the perimeter of your window.

Do you want to extend the life of your air conditioner? A yearly maintenance tune-up will do just that.
Do it before you and other people need it, otherwise, you may have to wait in the heat.

Check signs of pest colonization: In the attic, basement, behind your refrigerator, etc.
Bats like attics, mice like everywhere that is warm, and all types of creepy crawlers and bugs like the basement.
If you see signs of life, outside of your family, hire an expert to help you extract and control those pesky pests.

Mold can be black or grey and it presents itself in little circular blotches. Sometimes bleach can take care of the light stuff, but if it’s all over, it could be dangerous to your health and you should have a professional take a look.

Look over all your interior water pipes: Under the sink, bathroom, laundry, etc. Ensure they’re not sweating or leaking.
Ensure your exterior water spout is working good, and that you didn’t leave your hose connected all winter. Water remanence in your hose and spout can be damaging once turned to ice.

Are there brush and leaves leftover before your last fall clean-up? Make sure to clear it again in the spring so you don’t suffocate any grass or plants.
But if there’s ever an early March “warm week,” it’s going to fool your plants and they’ll start peaking out early. Leave your leaves alone and they can act as an insulator if mother nature decides to go back below 32 degrees.

Clear off debris on and between boards.
If your deck is wood; what does wood tend to do in the winter (contract) and do in the summer (expand)? This movement can shift nails and other fasteners.
Look for exposed or chipped areas, that may be an indicator that it needs to be resealed or painted.
Drop water on your deck, if you don’t see pronounced droplets of water, it means the water is absorbing into the board, and it definitely needs to be resealed.

Clean debris and wash with the hose.
Look for any shifting or cracking that happened after winter and fill gaps where needed.
I know this is a winter tip, but it’s very important to clear snow off the pavement and at least a foot beyond, to prevent shifting and cracking, after snow melts and refreezes it can be an expensive problem.

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