Now that spring is finally arriving, it’s time to get outside and see what Old Man Winter has done to your home. Wind, snow, ice and the freeze-thaw cycle can take their toll on your home’s protective shell. Assessments should also be done after major storms.
Here is a checklist of things to look for:
ROOF:
- Are there curling, missing or broken shingles?
- Is there loose material at chimneys, pipes and other roof penetrations?
- Is there shingle grain in gutters? This gives added weight and protection from the UV rays.
- Are there wet areas on the inside of your home indicating roof or siding leaks?
- Are there any sagging areas on the roof?
- Are there cracks or missing mortar in the chimney?
- Is there debris collected on the roof?
- Are there tree branches close to the roof?
- Do you see any signs of water intrusion or light coming through in the attic?
GUTTERS:
- Are the gutters overflowing?
- Are they coming away from the house, sagging or dipping?
- Are they full of debris? Now is a good time to have Leaf Relief gutter guards installed.
SIDING:
- Are there any loose, missing or cracked pieces of siding or trim?
- Is there any rotten wood, including window and door trim, soffit and fascia?
- Is the caulking around windows and doors cracked?
WINDOWS:
- Are your windows drafty or uninsulated?
- Have the seals failed allowing moisture between the panes?
- Are they hard to open and close properly?
