Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Now that the days are getting longer and the temperature gradually warming up (albeit ever so slowly), now is a good time to take stock of your home and run through a checklist of items that may need a little attention.

Attending to them now will potentially save you hundreds, or possibly, thousands of dollars in repair that could have been averted. It also allows you the time and freedom to enjoy the warm summer nights either in your backyard or on vacation.

Here are a few things to look at:

1. Roof: Perhaps the most important component of your home, should be checked for any loose or torn shingles.

-Moss: it always amazes how quickly moss can take root and spread. To kill it, I prefer a moss powder vs a pressure washer. Actually a pressure washer shortens the life of your composition roof by washing the granules that protect the roof. In most cases, you cannot damage or stain with moss powder (check the label) so apply a liberally and get a head of any moss growing.

2. Gutters: Just because the rains have significantly slowed down or stopped does not necessarily mean all is well in your gutter system. Standing water or clogged drains can back up into your roof, under the shingles and possible cause structural damage. Also, if you have metal gutters, standing water starts the corrosion process and shortens their life.

3. Screens and Windows: Look for tears, broken panes or possible early signs of wood rot on sills.

4. Siding: With all the abuse your siding withstands, it would not be surprising to find broken or loose section of siding. Early detection and maintenance will definitely pay big dividends in the long run.

5. Cracks: Wither in the driveway or walkway, also a good time to repair them.

6. Furnace or heat pump – yearly maintenance is vital to the longevity and smooth operation.

7. Ducts and Filters: Cleaning your air ducts once every few years is a good practice to ensure that you are breathing clean healthy air. In addition, smooth airflow actually helps reduce your energy costs.

8. Attics and Ceilings: Notice any stains that were not there a few months ago? Could be that water has entered from that torn/broken shingle, mentioned in item#1 and it's wreaking havoc with your insulation. A quick visual scan is all it takes.

9. Insulation: Does your attic have an adequate amount? Insufficient insulation also adds to your energy cost. My home inspectors like to see between 14-18 inches of blown insulation and 10-12 inches of batt fiberglass. The comfort factor is felt almost immediately and your home will thank you for it.

** Product AlertKidde Smoke Detectors, models P12010 and P19010 manufactured between 9/2016 and 10/2017 are defective due to a yellow tab that does not allow the detector to function properly. Get the full report here. It's worth while to check your smoke alarms not only for this recall but to make sure they are working property and are not out of date. It's recommenced that smoke alarms be changed every 10 years.

Need recommendations for contractors, inspectors or specialists? Reach out to me, I got 'em!