The weather is finally breaking, and that means time outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. That also means home maintenance work. Lots of it, with the toll this past winter and its record snow and ice have taken on everything.
I’m driving through potholes all over the place, as I visit customers looking to get their homes ready for summer.
When you’re out and about this spring, check your home for weather damages and get that to-do list going.
Check your roof
The cold nights, ice build-up, and heavy snow we had last winter can take a toll on your roof. A poorly installed roof can cause leaks, and leaks lead to stains, mold, mildew, and rot on your ceilings and walls and in your attic. Ugly at best. At their worst, leaks can even cause electrical shorts that lead to fires. Before a small leak turns into a big problem, check your roof for:
- sagging
- signs of water damage on ceilings and in the attic
- cracked, torn, or missing shingles
- signs of moisture, rot, or mold on ceilings, walls, and attic
Look over your siding
Siding can get ugly, too. Harsh cold, wind, and ice can cause a domino effect of problems, all because of water. When your siding is damaged it allows water to creep in, which then freezes and expands, essentially prying your siding off the house. This can cause some major damage to your home’s frame, an even more expensive problem to fix.
Clean and inspect those gutters
Gutters can be one of the worst victims of rough winters. They get clogged with winter debris, keeping the spring and summer rain from draining off the roof – which can lead to the problems described above, especially if the gutters are pulled away from the siding. That leads to the water behind the siding, which makes any existing siding problems even worse. Do you see the cycle here? It all leads to even more problems next winter, and it will only get worse.
Look for door damage
It always amazes me how much we take our front doors for granted. We may go out the back or side doors as we come and go throughout the summer, but the front door is still the face of our homes. Make sure it’s in good shape and looks welcoming. Check whether it needs painting, too. Make sure the hinges are OK. Check storm and screen doors throughout the home. These are the small fixes that’ll save you hassles later, especially since they can cause frame damage if they’re let go.
Inspect your windows
If doors are the welcoming smile to your home, windows are the eyes. They let in the light and are integral to a home’s beauty, inside and out. If your windows are in trouble, with air leaks, they won’t just affect the winter gas bills – they can really hurt your wallet when it comes time to kick on the AC, too.
Water and mold damages are the most common enemies for your panes and their frames, so here are the top signs to check for:
- soft window frames with rot or cracks
- mold growth
- peeling paint
- fog or perspiration in between the glass
If you find any of these signs of damage, it may be time for replacement windows. Make sure you get Energy Star-approved windows. They save energy costs year round and increase the value of your home. According to national remodeling industry statistics and an Angie’s List nationwide survey of remodelers and real estate agents, replacing your windows will not only make you a much happier homeowner, but it can also generate as much as an 80% return on your investment when you factor in bill savings and your home’s resale value.
After your checkup, call us for a consultation. 847-807-4822 or complete the scheduling form.
Serving Chicago, the North Suburbs, and Northshore for more than 30 years.