A guide to re-coping your home after the winter

Winter can be tough on everything that protects you—especially your home. Through the winter your home takes a beating from cold winds, ice and snow. This can leave some damages and things to be fixed-up in the spring time. It’s important to comb through our property to make sure everything is good to go as the weather warms up.

Here’s a check-list to keep your property in tip-top shape:

1. Air conditioner

Turn on your air conditioner before summer heat hits to make sure it’s working properly. Be sure to remove any protective covers before turning it on. Is the thermostat working properly? If not you may waste a lot of energy. NARI recommends that you clean heating and air-conditioning ducts every five years, as germs and bacteria can build up, causing allergies and other illnesses. Ducts may have to be cleaned more often if you have pets.

2. Roof

Winter’s snow, ice and wind can cause damage to roofs. Left unchecked, roof damage can lead to water problems. Replace any missing or torn shingles and check for nails that may have popped out of shingles.

3. Chimney

Now that the chilly days spent by the fireplace are over—at least for a few months—cover your chimney with a wire screen or cloth cover to keep out leaves and other debris. A clogged passageway can create problems when you start your first fire nest fall. A screen also deters birds and other animals from making a home in your chimney and from damaging the mortal and brickwork.

4. Television

Snow and fierce winds may have displaced or damaged your television antenna, cable wires or satellite dish. Make sure they are securely fastened to the house, and check for frayed cords.

5. Siding

To prevent further damage, and to keep surrounding pieces from coming loose, replace missing siding. Because the bottom pieces of siding have a tendency to come loose, make sure they are tightly secured. Secure siding also prevents animals from getting between the house and the siding.

6. Storm windows

Swap your storm windows for screens. Not only do screens let you cool your home naturally, but they also provide protection from unwanted insects.

7. Flashing and caulking

Check that the flashing around the doors, windows, chimney, and roof is in place. Damaged or torn flashing could allow water to enter your house. Also, confirm that doors and windows are properly caulked. Caulk can crack and fall off, and recalling doors and windows can reduce energy bills by eliminating draft areas.

8. Cracks

When water settles into openings in your driveway or sidewalks and then freezes, it can cause existing cracks and holes to expand. Fixing these cracks and holes will prevent further damage and avoid possible tripping hazards.

9. Gutters

Leaves, sticks and other debris can clog gutters and ridge vents, causing rain to back up. This can result in damage to the wood behind the cutters and event to the walls inside the home. Make sure downspouts are straight and that water drains away from the foundation.

10. Garden

Not only is this good for the environment, but it adds character to the landscape. Planting flowers or shrubbery brightens your yard and the added beauty can increase the value of your home.

Spring cleaning and maintenance can reveal needed maintenance on your home. Our highly experienced and reliable team is more than happy to inspect and install your roofing, windows, doors, eavestroughs, soffits, fascia, and siding to get your property back in shape. Contact us for a free estimate today.