Owning a home is synonymous with home improvements and maintenance. The perfect time to take inventory of what needs to be done around your home in order to keep it running full speed ahead is during the first month of spring. This is especially true with the homes exterior. The snow has melted meaning that the landscape and roof are no longer covered and can be thoroughly examined. Your home has gotten through the tough months of winter and will start to show signs of wear that will need to be taken care to prevent further, more expensive repairs or replacements later down the road. As with all home improvements, maintaining your home is important and it is crucial that any maintenance and repairs are done by professional contractors that are licensed and insured.
Spring Checkup for Exterior Home Maintenance
- Your homes roof is one of its most important features. It provides necessary protection to the structure of the home and is also your families first defense against the harsh winter elements. What this means is that come spring your roof is one of the most important regions of your home to maintain. Dead decaying leaves have made their home on your roof for the last six months. Moss has been given the perfect opportunity to make a home. Now only is it important aesthetically to take care of the debris it is important to the overall condition of your roof.
By hiring a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof you are guaranteed that cracks and leaks are found. Often homeowners have no idea what to look for when it comes roof damage. Professional roofers will check the roofs vents, louvers, flashing, and roof valleys to ensure that the caulking is intact and free of damage. Shingling will be checked for blistering, buckling, missing shingles and more as well. Maintaining your roof is a lot more practical than replacing it. By maintaining the existing roof, you are looking at expanded the lifespan of your roof well past the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Gutters are another element of the exterior of your home that is crucial in protecting the structure of your home from water damage. Gutters must be cleaned regularly as debris that can build up will prevent water from draining properly. Water that backs up within the gutter will find it’s way under the shingling and into your home if not maintained. Loose or leaking gutters should be repaired as well.
- Chimneys are many peoples saving grace through the long, cold Michigan winters. It is important that after being used non-stop throughout the winter months that your chimney is given special attention. Chimneys should be examined and repaired. It is also a good time to have your chimney cleaned professionally. Soot build up can often hide areas that need maintenance.
- To preserve summer fun have your deck inspected at the beginning of spring. It is a great time to check for loose boards, soft wood, or signs of damage from water. You can also determine from the amount of discoloration if the deck needs to be resealed. Spring is a perfect time to prepare the deck for when temps warm up and stain and sealant can be applied.
Spring comes along to wake us from our long winter slumbers where we can procrastinate and put things off until the temperatures warm up. Spring temps allow exterior work to be done without the baking sun of summer. Maintenance done in the spring also means time spent enjoying the Michigan summer instead of weekends stuck at home while work is done on your home. As your landscape awakens and buds start to form throughout your homes landscaping call to schedule a professional exterior home inspection to perform the necessary maintenance on your home.
Learn more about Kearns Brothers, a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all of Southeast Michigan’s construction needs by visiting their website at www.kearnsbrothers.com or contact a remodeling expert at 888.355.6700.