San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Essential spring home maintenance activities
The winter months are ending and now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the spring. With the recent freezing temperatures
Seasonal maintenance is key to keeping your home functioning at optimal levels. Taking preventive measures now such as scheduling an air conditioning tune-up or cleaning out your gutters can help you avoid costly repairs to your home in the future. To keep your home comfortable and enjoyable during the spring months, consider adding these maintenance items to your list of at-home activities.
Schedule an HVAC tuneup.
Your unit has been in overdrive the last few weeks and many of us neglect the HVAC unit in the winter. Before switching your HVAC to cooler temperatures, schedule an appointment with a HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioning and heating unit. If your air conditioning and heating unit is working at peak performance, you can extend the life of your unit and save money on repairs. A professional will clean your unit and check for any leaks. If your unit is in good shape, make sure you change your air filter to reduce the wear and tear on your unit and improve the air flow in your home.
Clean Out Your Gutters.
Debris from the recent winter storms can clog your gutters. While it may seem like a hassle, it is important to make sure your gutters are clear to accommodate for spring showers. Your gutters protect your home’s foundation, roof, and walls by controlling the flow of rainwater from your roofline. Neglecting your gutters can lead to mold or water damage to the exterior or interior of your home. Ladder safety when clearing out your gutters is a priority. Make sure to read all of the warning labels and follow the instructions on your ladder closely.
Trim Trees. Any home can benefit from the shade and beauty of trees. Taking time to remove broken branches can prevent damage to your property and keep your family safe from a limb falling. Removing dead or diseased branches keeps trees healthy. To ensure your trees are trimmed safely consider hiring an arborist, especially if any of your trees are near powerlines or you lost trees or tree limbs during the recent storm.
Repair Your Roof. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof. First, conduct a visual inspection of your roof. Look for shingles that may have shifted during the recent storm and during the winter months. Another sign of roof damage is if any of your shingles are cracked or missing. Delaying roof repairs can turn a small leak into a big problem for your home. Building codes cover acceptable standards and a host of other factors. As a result, the protocols used ‘up north’ to prevent water penetration are not incorporated in central Texas with our adopted code body.
If your roof looks like it needs attention, make sure to contact a professional roofer for repairs. Have your professional roofer look at your insulation to make sure it was properly installed and if you have leaking damage from the recent storm, it will probably happen again. Be sure and have them check the roofing underlayment and the soffit vents.
Check Out Your Windows.
With the spring months around the corner, you want to make sure the air conditioning is cooling the inside of your home and not escaping through leaks or cracks. By caulking or adding weather stripping to your windows the air can stay in your home. If your windows are in good shape, a simple household window cleaner can clear up dirt and debris on glass from the winter months. Avoid using a power washer on your screens, it could damage them.
For more information on Builders, Roofers, Remodelers, Window Suppliers and Service Providers, please visit www. sabuilders.com.
Sincerely, Ed Berlanga
President