We are all emerging out after winter, the snow is melting and we’re starting to see some spring rain showers. It’s time for a Spring Homeowner Inspection. It’s a moist, humid, wet time for Utah. Winter can be challenging for homes and Spring is a perfect time for any homeowner to walk around the exterior, do a spring homeowner inspection and determine if there is any damage.
Spring months often reveal effects of a long, hard winter. This is most obvious at the exterior of the home where it hasn’t been possible to perform routine maintenance for several months.
Here are 5 key areas to inspect around your house during a spring homeowner inspection:
Upper House:
- The Roof. While visually inspecting this is important, it’s also a good practice to take the opportunity during a Spring rainstorm to listen for any loose shingles, pieces that might blow in the wind. Or if you find water, you know you have a leak! After the weather, stand back and inspect the roof for anything that might have changed over the winter. If you have a pair of binoculars, this can be extra helpful. Make a note of the location of any damaged shingles and contact a reliable roofing contractor to make appropriate repairs.
- Gutters and Downspouts. The significant ice build up many homes experienced may have caused gutters and downspouts to pull away from the roof’s edge. Using binoculars, inspect for loose sections. Also, standing directly below the gutters, look straight up to see if the gutter channels are pulled away from the home (daylight between the gutter and house may be an indication securing is needed).
Exterior House:
- Exterior siding/trim. Walk around the house and observe the siding and trim materials. Note any areas where the materials have become loose and secure accordingly.
- Loose Mortar Joints. As you walk around the house during your spring homeowner inspection, where there is brick or stone, including the chimney, inspect the mortar joints to be sure they are in tact. Where loose or missing mortar is noted, contact a reliable contractor to repair as necessary.
- Peeling Paint. Note peeling paint as you walk around the house. If the affected areas are small in number and size, you may be able to perform touch up with left over paint from the last paint job. If they are numerous or large, you may want to consider a complete paint job.
Inspecting these few areas and performing routine maintenance and repairs will go a long way in prolonging the life of a component. More importantly, paying attention to the areas on the outside will keep our homes weather tight and help eliminate damage to the interior during inclement weather.
(5 items above, modified but courtesy of http://specsure.com/)
