As winter fades away and the temperatures start to rise, it is a good opportunity to take a look at how your home has fared after the colder months. Cold weather can be tough on a house, wreaking havoc on exterior walls, roofs, and even pipes inside the house. To ensure that your home is in its best shape, taking on some easy seasonal projects is necessary. Springtime is perfect for these maintenance tasks since it’s not too hot or cold out; therefore, you can check off seven projects that will help recover your home from winter. So let’s get started!
1. Have your roof inspected. The roof of your home is one of the most important features, protecting you and your belongings from the elements. To ensure your roof is in good shape after a rough winter, it’s essential to have it thoroughly inspected. Pay special attention to any leaks or loose shingles or metal pieces, as even a small crack can become a large split when exposed to the repetitive freezing and thawing of last winter. Knowing what type of insurance coverage you have for potential damage to your roof can put your mind at ease – check with an independent insurance agent to be sure you’re covered.
2. Fix any ceiling stains. If you’ve noticed a yellow or brown stain on your ceiling, it could be a sign that your roof is leaking. It’s important to first identify and fix the leak before attempting to seal the stain itself. Many sealers/primers are effective for this purpose, and you may need to apply more than one coat of paint afterward in order to achieve your desired look. Don’t forget—interior moisture problems can quickly turn into mold or mildew build-up, so make sure that you address any potential issues as soon as possible! Fixing any ceiling stains will help save you money and headaches down the road.
3. Inspect windows and doors. Inspecting the state of the windows and doors in your home is an important part of home maintenance. You should check the hinges, frames, and edges of any doors regularly to make sure they are in good working order. If there is minor damage, such as some bent or broken hinges, you may be able to repair them. On the other hand, if the frame or edges are significantly damaged it might be better to completely replace the door. Don’t forget to check that all screens have no holes before trading out your storm panels once spring arrives either; ensuring your family’s safety by keeping out unwanted bugs and debris is essential.
4. Consider resealing your driveway. Resealing your driveway is a great way to protect it from further deterioration, especially immediately following the winter months. When water seeps into driveways and then freezes and thaws, it can create cracks that not only make your driveway look less visually appealing but also weaken its foundation. To avoid this, it may be wise to consider having your driveway resealed immediately after the winter months. Doing so will help provide an added layer of protection against potential damage caused by moisture or ice accumulation and can extend the life of your driveway significantly.
5. Seal your deck every few years. Having a beautiful and sturdy deck is important for any homeowner. To ensure its fullest lifetime, sealing your deck every few years is essential. Pressure washing before sealing your deck can help get it sparkling clean again and make the sealant stick better. Changes in weather can take their toll over time, making it all the more important to keep up with regular maintenance throughout the life of your deck. Taking good care of your deck now can prevent long-term issues that require costly repairs down the line, so it’s worth investing in periodic maintenance a little at a time.
6. Clean gutters and downspouts. Cleaning gutters and downspouts is an often overlooked but necessary task that homeowners must do regularly. Not only can leaves really weigh things down, but ice dams can even cause them to bend and break if left unaddressed. To avoid any larger problems in the future, put on your gloves and pick up a strong ladder and trowel to get the job done quickly. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself at all, don’t be afraid to call a professional who can get it done for you instead!
7. Inspect outside faucets and hoses. Inspecting outside faucets and hoses for regular maintenance should be an important part of your household routine. Check that the water pressure is up to par by turning on the faucets and attempting to block the stream of water with your thumb, if you can do so without difficulty then it may be a sign that there’s something wrong within the pipes and a qualified plumber should be called in order to properly fix this issue before it worsens. Many times, high-pressure water can cause any number of problems such as leaking roofs or wet basements, so make sure to regularly inspect your outside faucets and hoses in order to prevent any potentially costly damages.
With winter almost behind us, it’s time to get serious about getting your home ready for spring and summer. We hope that this article has supplied you with some helpful tips on how to get started on a proper home winter recovery plan. Not only will these projects help your home look better, but they can also save you money in the long run. So don’t wait – act now! While you’re at it, make sure to follow MyChesCo, either by subscribing to our newsletter or our social media accounts, to stay up-to-date with all of the latest news and information for Chester County and beyond!
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.