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Prepare Your Home for the Warmer Months with These DIY Spring Maintenance Tips
As we transition from winter to spring, our wardrobe changes, our outdoor activities change, and the overall mood of the season goes from hibernation to rejuvenation. So must our homes go through this transition. Whether checking for the overall health of your house or doing some refreshes, it’s important to take the time to do the necessary upkeep after a long, dark winter. Let’s discuss some DIY tips and tricks to get your house ready for the warmer months.
Look for Roof Issues
For your house, winter can be the harshest time of year. In Seattle’s dark winter months, your roof could face rain, hail, ice, and snow. To inspect for damage, get a premium ladder that not only gives you the height to reach the roof but also gives you the security you need. A lightweight telescoping ladder that offers adjustable heights is perfect for many jobs.
Here are some things to look for:
From the inside of your house, check the ceilings for possible leaks.
If you have an attic, check the space for openings and leaks.
If you have places on your roof that have been centered or sealed, check those places first for any potential wear and tear.
Check shingles for cracks, warping, raising, blistering, and curling.
Inspect for moss and lichen, which may indicate that the roof is decaying underneath.
Assess the Gutters
Inevitably, fall and winter impact gutters more than any other season due to leaves falling, colder temperatures, and wetter conditions. Gutters that are left to fall into disrepair can lead to flooding and foundational issues. To avoid the pitfalls that come with broken gutters, it is important to check for holes, leaky joints, and spikes that have pulled free.
After you identify any issues you may have with your gutters, then take time to get the right supplies to remedy the problem. Check out Tool Review Lab for reviews, prices, and sources on the different brands of tools you may need to get the job done.
Evaluate the Trees
Many homeowners consider the trees surrounding their houses only when looking at the general landscaping. However, as winter comes to an end, it’s wise to examine the health of the trees. Dead tree limbs (or worse — a dead tree) could cause serious damage to your house. For example, a tree limb or tree could crash into the roof or shatter windows during storms.
Examine your trees from roots to top. Consider whether the foundation is firm and whether the tree may be suffering from physical damage, decay, pests, poor foliage growth/coloring, disease, or fungi. You may need rope, ladders, and other tools to make a thorough evaluation.
Prepare and Repair as if You Were Selling
Whether you want to live in your house for many years to come, may sell in the distant future, or could be persuaded to move at any moment, your house should be well-maintained from the outside in as if you were planning to put your home on the market. Your home is an investment, and small deteriorations often lead to big problems with your investment if they go unchecked. The more you do annual maintenance and take preventative measures, the more you will save and the more disasters you will avoid over time.
Spring is the perfect time of year to whip your home into shape and take measures to protect it both in the short-term and long-term. Remember to start by inspecting your roof, gutters, and trees, and make any necessary fixes/changes. Also, treat your home’s condition as if you could put it on the market at any moment. This will help to give you a broad perspective of any other changes that are needed to bring your home to its full potential.
This article is brought to you by Suzie Wilson ?info@happierhome.net ?Happier Home
