With spring coming any day now, home renovation expert Bob Vila recommends that you do an inspection of your home’s exterior. Here are some tips on what to look for:
1) Walk around your property, especially after a storm, to see if the weather has taken its toll outside your home.
2) Roof – From the ground, do you see any cracked or missing shingles or nail pops? Making minor repairs now can save time and money later.
3) Chimneys – If you have a a masonry chimney, check to see if any joints between the bricks or stones have fallen out. Do you seen any calcium deposits? If so, your chimney may need to be resealed with a water-resistant barrier.
4) Exterior Walls – Look for any visible trouble spots, especially near the eaves and the gutter downspouts. If you see water stains, you might not have adequate roof runoff. If you have wood siding, check for problem areas where carpenter ants or other insects or critters may find cozy for a nest. Carpenter ants come out in the spring time, so watch carefully. These little guys can be very destructive.
5) Foundations – Examine the foundation from top to bottom to find masonry cracks. While routine caulking might help, it is probably not sufficient. Consider hiring someone who specializes in foundation work to make needed repairs.
6) Windows and Doors – Check windows and doors for any leakage. Examine caulking and weather strips and take note of any condensation you experienced during the winter months. You might need to repair the weather seal or replace the glass or window.
For more tips on spring home maintenance, check out my other blog posts. Have a tip to share? I’d love to hear it. Just email me or comment on this post.
Source: Spring Home Maintenance Checklist at BobVila.com