Springtime is the perfect season for a fresh start. As the weather improves, you should take time to prepare your home for the rest of the year. A clean, orderly, and well-maintained home will keep any repairs at bay. If you need help adding a few items to your Delaware home inspection checklist, here are a few suggestions.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
First, you will want to start outside of your home. During winter, downspouts and gutters can become clogged with leaves, pine needles, and other debris. You will want to make sure there is no damage to these components, or you could end up with water leaks in your home. Gutters and downspouts are important because they ensure the water moves away from your home’s foundation. A broken gutter system could result in hundreds of dollars of damage. If you don’t want to head up to the roof by yourself, consider hiring a professional. There are many roofing companies in Delaware to handle the job.
Check the Fascia and Soffits
Along with the gutters and downspouts, you should inspect the fascia and soffits. These components play a vital role in protecting your home’s structural integrity. They can help prevent mold from entering your attic, protect the roof from wind and water damage, and support the gutter system. Sometimes, fascia and soffits are good places for animals to crawl inside during the winter. When inspecting your home, you will want to check for signs of damaged components, rotting wood, or clogged ventilation elements.
Spruce Up Your Landscape
Spring is the best time to trim trees, prune plants, and finalize your garden plan. If you want to protect your home, remove any branches hanging over your roof. During those spring and summer storms, these branches can cause significant damage to your home. Cutting them down is one way to prevent any problems later in the year. You might want to look at other landscaping around your property. Any elements that can cause problems should be removed. Some spaces may look cluttered and unmaintained. In those situations, clearing out the space will help improve your property’s curb appeal.
Inspect Vinyl Siding
While vinyl siding is durable, there are times when it can become damaged. In extreme weather conditions, like the cold winter months, the siding can become brittle, causing the material to crack and break. When there is a crack, moisture can get trapped, leading to water damage to your home. Spring is the best time to walk around your home and look for any signs of wear. If there are problem areas, you’ll want to have them repaired as soon as possible.
Walk Throughout Your Interior
When there are problems in the home, you will probably notice trouble signs throughout the interior. First, take a look at the walls of the house. The walls should be level. If they are sagging or bowed, it could signify structural or roof damage. You might have noticed a cold draft in your home during the winter. Use the springtime to get those problems resolved. Spring might be a great time to add extra insulation to your walls. With that, you could even see a reduction in your home’s cooling and heating bills.
The ceiling is another spot that you will want to check out. Like the walls, your ceiling should be intact and straight. If there are stains on the ceiling, it may be a sign of significant water damage. In many cases, that can signify a problem with the roof. When you notice problems with the ceiling, schedule an inspection with a roofing company.
Examine the Windows and Doors
During the winter, the doors and windows have worked hard to keep out the cold air. When spring comes around, you will want to give them a visual inspection. Make a note of whether they latch and operate correctly. If there are any signs of rot or decay, you will want to get them repaired as soon as possible. Also, make sure the weather stripping is still intact. Any stripping that is in poor condition can lead to problems down the road.
Maintain Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Most heating and cooling companies will recommend that you have these systems checked in the spring and fall. You want to make sure that everything is working correctly before the hot summer weather rolls into town. Plus, these inspection visits are a great way to keep up with the maintenance of the unit.
Do Some Spring Cleaning
After you have finished some of these chores, consider completing a few other tasks. Spring is the best time to wash the interior or exterior of your home, scrub kitchen appliances, and clear out nooks and crannies. You may want to take this time to replace batteries and refresh any cleaning supplies.
Get Your Home Ready for the Upcoming Season
With these tips, you can take a few items off your home inspection list for springtime. Getting your home cleaned up and repaired during this season is the best way to kick off the start of spring.
Our Reliable and Experienced Delaware Roofers Are Ready To Help
There are plenty of roofing companies in Delaware, but RGB Construction stands above the rest. We are a veteran-owned business that provides exceptional services to our clients. We can help with those springtime chores around your home. Give us a call at 856-264-9093 to schedule a consultation.
