How to address damage from winter
As spring warms up, it’s an excellent time to give your home’s exterior a once-over in preparation for summer. Oftenimes the winter months conceal damage you might want to repair as quickly as possible. Sometimes, basic wear and tear builds up over the season, and it’s wise to check key systems.
CHECK YOUR HOME’S PHYSICAL EXTERIOR AND YARD
Take a look at your exterior’s basics. Chipping paint, damaged siding, roof leaks and foundation cracks can all lead to long-term damage if you don’t address them quickly. Also, verify that your downspouts direct water at least a metre away from your home’s foundation. Water near your foundation is a major cause of basement leaks.
Check under your deck, porch or other exterior structure and clear out debris and junk that’s built up over the winter. And in the event your gutters are overflowing, hire a gutter cleaner to clear sediment and leaves left over from winter and spring weather. Overflowing gutters are another common source of basement leaks and foundation damage.
If you have outdoor play equipment, inspect it for damage and safety issues. Keep an eye out for insect damage, protruding nails, rot, and missing or damaged screws and bolts. Ensure the anchoring is still firm and secure, and check that swing ropes or chains still hold up strong. Linseed oil can prevent splintering of wood surfaces, and lubricant can ensure metal parts and connections remain smooth and squeak-free.
Watch out for tree growth around power lines. Hire a professional tree trimmer to keep them clear if need be; you want a safe distance between electrical lines and your branches.
GIVE YOUR LAWN SOME TLC
A basic cleaning can work wonders. Clean up the lawn, garden and flower beds; pick up branches and debris; and use a rake or leaf blower to remove any remaining yard waste from flower beds. Even out the mulch beds and add more mulch as needed.
If you have an irrigation system, reopen all your closed water lines to spigots and faucets, unpack and reattach hoses, and check for leaks. If you have an in-ground irrigation system, be sure to turn it back on in keeping local codes; some locales require that a professional perform a backflow test before activating it for the season.
WHAT ABOUT MY CAR?
Your car has worked hard all winter as well — and potholes, snow and ice can take their toll on its body. Give its exterior a good cleaning, and make sure the undercarriage is washed clear of road salt. Check all your tires, including the spare, for correct tire pressure. Make sure they all have sufficient tread for safe driving.
Winter also takes its toll on brakes, so have a technician check the pads and rotors. Paul F.P. Pogue is a reporter for Angie’s List, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers. Visit AngiesList.com.