We know how much your home means to you, and caring for your home is important. No matter what part of the country you call home, spring is always a good time to assess projects around the house. This is especially true if you live in a region where winter bears down with brute force.
Don’t panic if those sunny spring days illuminate problems and/or possible projects that may require time and attention. Take a deep breath of fresh air, get prepared and ‘spring’ into action to get your home healthy with some of these handy tips:
In the gutter: It can sometimes take some guts to get your home’s gutters free of debris. Even though it’s not the most appealing home improvement project, ensuring gutters are clean can help keep unwanted moisture from making its way to your home’s basement and crawl space. Don’t forget to check the downspouts and their direction. Always make sure they point away from the foundation.
Raise the roof: Your roof is one part of your home you don’t want to ignore, regardless of the season. A small problem can lead to big headaches if damage and possible problems aren’t assessed early enough. If your roof is shingled, experts recommend starting at ground level to assess any damage that may have occurred during winter. Summer months or constant warm weather can also wreak havoc on shingles. If you see cracking, buckled or loose shingles, call a professional to help get them back in shape. Ultimately, no matter what type of roof is over your head, always remember they need to be breech free.
Drain game: Experts say you should also keep a close eye on storm water drainage around the yard. Harsh winter weather and extreme temperatures can cause changes in the soil, creating a drainage dilemma. You don’t want low-lying areas to fill with rain water, which makes them an ideal location for mosquitoes and other insects.
Take these and other helpful tips into consideration, and you will be well on your way to ensuring your home stays happy and healthy, no matter what time of year.