Spring arrives this weekend, and it promises to be a wonderful season. But the past few months of rain, wind and freezing temperatures have meant that homeowners stayed indoors, ignoring all but the essential maintenance tasks in the garden and on the house.
Now it is time to go outside and find out how your house has fared over the season. Whether you are planning to spruce the house up for sale or just need to do a Spring clean, here is a checklist of areas that may need your attention.
Fences:
A good place to start is with the perimeter of your home. Winter rain and wind can play havoc with fences, so check them out carefully. Wiggle posts to see they’re still firmly set and look for loose or rotten fence boards. Stand back and see if the fence is due for a fresh coat of paint – there is a range of all-weather colours available now that could make a dramatic difference to the look of your garden.
Drainage:
Inspect drainage around your home. Heavy winter rain can cause shifts in the local topography that may in turn change drainage patterns, allowing water to move or pool around the foundations of your house. Look for areas of water staining or dirt on concrete or foundations.
Trees:
Look for limbs that have cracked or are sagging, or trees that may have more of a lean than you remember. Check for overhanging limbs that might shade the roof and cause guttering problems or leaf build up (a potential fire hazard in Summer).
Foundations:
Check home foundations for signs of cracks or leakage. Small cracks can be a source for seepage into the crawl space under your home. Take particular notice of larger cracks that may indicate movement in the ground under or around the house.
Decking:
Rain can take its toll on decks, so carefully check the condition of the boards for rot or splitting. Walk the entire deck to check for protruding nails, and also to see if everything feels solid. Pay attention to handrails, looking for loose boards, missing nails, separated joints and support posts that feel wobbly. Finally, check the condition of the deck’s finish, and determine if a fresh coat is due this summer.
House numbers:
While you’re looking at the rest of your home, take a moment to check house numbers. Are they firmly attached and clearly visible from the street? Do they even exist?
Gutters:
Messy or broken gutters can cause a variety of moisture problems and also detract from the appearance of your home. Check that gutters are firmly attached and that downspouts are well secured and draining properly away from the house. Check the paint for deterioration, especially around joints where you may find indications of leaks in the seams.
Roofing:
Last on the checklist is the condition of your roof. It has to cope with the harshest elements, from wind and rain to hail and UV rays from the sun. Check to ensure no roof tiles have blown off, cracked or become loose and that there is no mould or loose cappings.
Welcome to spring!