Warm weather is here, so what better time to get
started on some home repairs. For most homeowners,
the winter snow and rain left water leaks, clogged
rain gutters and more.
Let's take a look at the most common problems that
crop up and often
need to be
fixed.
Check your roof for leaks
Walk around up there and see if it seems sound under
your feet. Look for any signs of sponginess from
underneath. Look for shingle damage in particular -
it is a sure sign of "ice dams". Also check for any
water damage inside your home. If you notice any
problems fix them now to avoid bigger issues down
the road.
Check for clogged gutters
Keeping your rain gutters free of debris is very
important. This will keep the rain from accumulating
on the roof and from running down the side of your
house, which can cause water stains and damage. No
one enjoys cleaning out their gutters, so this is an
area that usually gets neglected.
Repair sticky doors or windows
With all the wet weather, wooden windows and doors
can't help but swell and stick. And with the warmer
weather coming, you are going to want them open more
than ever! Remove the door or window and try
removing any loose paint or build up. You can use a
scraper or sandpaper to sand it down. Power planes
work, but may remove too much. To keep doors and
windows from sticking in the first place, seal them
with a good coat of paint.
Repair cracks in your driveway or walkway
Concrete always cracks with the heavy rain and
winter weather. Most can be fixed with concrete
caulk or a patch.
Power wash your exterior
Don't just save the spring-cleaning for inside your
home. Why not give the outside a good scrubbing as
well. Power washing can really do the trick.
Other general things to give a once over include,
checking your fireplace for creosote build-up, your
air-conditioning system to make sure cool air flows
freely, your plumbing for any leaks or drips and
your drains to make sure they flow freely (a 50/50
mixture of baking soda and vinegar can do the
trick).