It's that time of year when the weather warms up and homeowners start thinking about outdoor projects. One thing that should be on your list every year before deciding where to put your money and energy is a inspection of your home and yard. Harsh winters can expose maintenance issues that, if taken care of straightaway, can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Examine your siding or brick. If it's wood, fiber-cement or some other kind of composite material, check for areas that need paint touch-ups. Especially along the last row of siding on a wall, rain and snow can begin to deteriorate the finish and allow moisture inside which can warp or damage the board or interior structure. Check the manufacturer's recommendations on repainting and keep the surface and edges sealed. Take a look at the bricks or mortar between for cracking. Small cracks can usually be repaired, but bigger cracks may indicate a more serious structural issue.
Inspect your windows and doors. Extreme changes in temperature over the seasons can cause caulk to shrink and pull away from openings, especially if the house is also settling a bit. Remove old caulk, clean the surfaces, recaulk and paint if required. Also check for moisture or fogging in between the window panes. This can indicate that the seal of the window is failing and has lost some of its insulating properties. Often this can be repaired or replaced without having to change out the whole window.
Check your roof, gutters and downspouts. If you aren't comfortable going up on your roof but it's been a long time since anyone else has, you may want to have it inspected by a licensed roofing professional. Hail and wind can cause damage that you might not be able to see from the ground, which can allow moisture to seep into the structure below. Ice, snow and holiday decorations can sometimes cause gutters or flashing to pull away from the structure. These areas can then allow water to run down the fascia boards that can rot in time. Be sure that your gutters are clean of debri and the downspouts are correctly routing water sufficiently away from your house so that the foundation is not affected.
Take care of your deck. Over time, nails can pop and boards can warp and cause tripping hazards. Handrails sometimes splinter and can cause injury. Sand and reseal or replace damaged boards. Depending on your climate, you may have to power wash, stain and seal every year to keep the decking from absorbing any moisture. Also, be sure to check your deck supports. Look for loose screws or bolts, damage from insects or animals, or settling that may make the deck unstable. Even decks with manufactured decking will have a wooden structure that can be affected weather or critters.
Examine your lawn and landscaping. Getting your lawn aerated in the spring can improve water drainage and nutrient absorption. Examine your trees and shrubbery for disease or insect infestations that can spread to other plants or even structures. Once the last frost has passed, test your sprinkler systems for proper operation and leaking. Check hoses and hose bibs for leaks. Walk your driveway and sidewalks to make sure that there is no major cracking or heaving that may cause tripping hazards. Severe cracking may indicate a settling problem that could further endanger your structures, so having them evaluated by a specialist is a good way to prevent further issues.
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