By Paul Bianchina
With the coming of spring there is also the coming of spring cleaning and spring fix-ups. As the sun peeks out and the weather warms up, it's definitely time to be checking the outside of your home and yard, and taking care of any repairs that have surfaced during the winter. Here are some suggestions for areas to pay particular attention to.
The Roof
Roofs can suffer a lot of damage from winter winds, rain and snow, and it should be one of the first areas on your list this spring. This requires a trip up onto the roof itself - you really can't make a complete and accurate inventory of damage from the ground or from a ladder - so if you're not comfortable with the height or steepness of your roof, consider hiring a licensed roofing contractor for this phase of the inspection.
First, check for missing or loose shingles, including those shingles that cover the ridge, then check the condition of flashings around chimneys, flues, attic vents, and roof-to-wall intersections. While on the roof, you'll also want to check nearby trees to see if they are overhanging the roof enough to present a problem during a wind storm, and then look for buildups of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
Gutters
While you're up there, examine the condition of your gutters. Look for denting, loose fittings, loose or missing attachments, and sags in the overall run of the gutters. This is also a good time to clear out accumulated debris such as leaves and pine needles. If you have a composition shingle roof and you discover a large amount of granules from the shingles in the bottom of the gutter, this is one of the first warning signs that a new roof might be in your future.
From below, check the condition of the downspouts. Look for loose fitting and fasteners, as well as water staining on the exterior that may indicate a spot where water backed up and ran out of a joint or fitting due to a clog inside the downspout.
Siding
Siding, like roofing, suffers greatly at the hands of a harsh winter. Take some time to examine the condition of the siding, and look for areas that are loose, sagging, cracked, or have fasteners that are loose or missing. With plywood siding, you'll also want to look for areas of de-lamination, which is a separation of the layers of the plywood.
While you're checking the siding, this is also a good time to pay attention to the condition of your exterior paint. Look for peeling paint on siding and trim, as well as areas where caulking is missing or working loose.
Outdoor Masonry
Spring is a great time to clean up your concrete or masonry patios and walkways and get them ready for the summer ahead. Use a stiff push broom to clean up accumulated debris, and then wash with a garden hose spray or a widely-diffused spray from a pressure washer. For mildew or other staining, check with your local home center or other retailer of concrete supplies for the appropriate type of cleaner. Finally, replace broken-out grout or caulking, and reapply sealer if it's been over two years since the last application.
Fans and Air Conditioners
It's only going to get warmer, so now is the time to make certain that cooling fans, air conditioners, and whole-house fans are clean and working correctly. Shut the power to the fan, remove the cover and wash with mild soapy water, then clean out dust from inside the fan with a shop vacuum. Check outdoor central air conditioning units for damage or debris buildup, and clean or replace any filters.
Vent Blocks
Once the danger of freezing is over, remove foundation vent blocks or open vent covers to allow air circulation in the crawlspace. Winter rains can move dirt around, so also take this opportunity to check the grade level around the vents and remove accumulated soil as necessary.
Smoke Detectors
It's just about time to move the clocks again, and that should be your reminder to check your smoke detectors. Replace the batteries, clean the covers, and test the detector for proper operation.
If you have gas-fired appliances in the house, such as a water heater, range, or fireplace, now is also the ideal time to add a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide detectors are inexpensive and easy to install, and are available at most home centers and other retailers of electrical parts and supplies.
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