After a long, dark winter in Lexington, spring's bright sun
and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that
sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead
plants in last year's flower beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master inspector
with the American Society of Home Inspectors, shared this checklist to help you
target the areas that need maintenance so you can get your chores done quickly,
leaving you time to go outside and play in the sunshine.
- Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead
to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from
the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
- Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be
filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can
lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low
areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
- Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows,
doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more
damage to the exposed wood.
- From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were
lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may
want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof
shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules
need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys
need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
- Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage.
Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
- Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All
exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation.
Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather
permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
- Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be
stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
- Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water
on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of
water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be
replaced. While you're at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
- Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and
service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate
more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at
peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
- Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.
Tips provided by http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/a-few-tips-to-herald-the-arrival-of-spring/index.html
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