Spring is here, and with that comes the desire to spruce up our homes. While the average homeowner should not perform complex jobs, such as AC repair or maintenance, there are several things that you may be able to take care of on your own. Check out the list below to learn more, and remember you are the best judge of whether you should tackle a job or call a professional.
Roofing
Depending on where you live, this past winter may have subjected your home to high winds and heavy snows. Even if the season wasn’t terrible where you are, it is still a smart idea to do a visual inspection of your roof. From the safety of the ground, check for missing or damaged shingles. Failure to replace these could result in a leak in your attic. Additionally, check for debris that may have accumulated on top of your home, such as pine needles, leaves, or twigs.
Siding
Check the exterior of your home for wear and tear. Often, mold and mildew can grow in areas that are covered by awnings or gutter downspouts. These damaged areas will need to be taken care of before they grow worse and lead to additional problems, such as wood rot.
Chimney
Homes with brick chimneys may have issues with mortar cracks or chips. Left untreated, this could lead to water infiltration. Efflorescence may also develop on the exterior of the chimney. Efflorescence is a white-colored deposit that generally signifies that there are problems with moisture.
Foundation
Check around the perimeter of your home for any cracks, bowing walls, or sinking. If you see any of these problems, it would be a good idea to call a structural repair engineer for a professional opinion.
Windows
If there are gaps around your window frames, air loss could be a problem. Your local home improvement or hardware store sells caulking and weather stripping materials that can be used to fix this problem.
Air Conditioner
Spring is the season when most homeowners begin to use their AC regularly. Before you use it for the first time this season, be sure to swap out the old filter for a new one.
Basement
Check your basement for cracks or holes in the floors or walls. Additionally, look for areas that may be collecting moisture. A local waterproofing professional will be able to help you take care of these problems.
Homeowners may not want to add extra items to their spring cleaning/to-do list, but checking on the above-mentioned areas could potentially help to save you from larger problems in the future.