Proper Spring Home Maintenance: DIY, Tips, and More
When the spring approaches, it can really get a person motivated to go outside and feel the sunshine on their skin. However, when you are a homeowner, that spring thaw may reveal a slew of issues around the house that you need to fix ASAP. Winter weather can really do a number on your home’s exterior and garden. However, dealing with these repairs now can help free your time going forward so you can enjoy the beautiful weather.
Checking for Roof Damage
If your area experienced a lot of precipitation, there is a good chance it could have damaged your roof and shingles. Checking for roof damage now and making the minor repairs you need can prevent a costly roof replacement down the road. An experienced property inspector can do this job for you, but often all it takes is a little DIY ingenuity.
- Look for missing, torn, or warped shingles where the edges or corners of shingles are rising or curling. These shingles will need to be replaced. You can peel off curling shingles with the claw end of a hammer.
- Check the home’s gutters as well as at the end of the downspouts for asphalt granular deposits.
- Inspect for spots that look bare where all the granules have detached and been washed away.
- Also, check the interior of the structure for water damage and mold.
Repairing Your Gutters
Gutters work overtime throughout winter and spring when there’s more precipitation. Over time, they can also become clogged with debris including dead leaves, twigs, dust, dirt, and even small animal remains (gross!). If you have the stomach for it, repairing your gutters yourself is a pretty simple DIY project.
- Patching a hole as soon as you find it can prevent it from growing larger. Using roofing cement and a metal-repair patch, cover the hole several inches larger than the damaged area. Make sure your metal-repair patch is the same material as your gutter.
- Fix leaky gutter joints by disassembling the gutter, clearing access to the internal profile of the joint clip, and applying gutter or silicone caulk around the edge of the gutter profile before you reassemble.
- Make sure your gutters are draining properly by adjusting its slope to its correct angle.
Checking Tree Health
Trees look great in your back and front yard all the while adding to your home’s resale value. They also help filter out carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release clean oxygen for a healthier earth. Of course, trees are living things and must be cared for as such. Check your tree’s by looking for signs of health:
- Evidence of annual growth
- No dead or broken branches
- No fungi on the trunk
- No bare patches in leaves or needles
- No wilting
- No growths on branches
- No oozing sap
- Plenty of fruit or flowers
If you believe one of your property’s trees may be sick, call an arborist to get a thorough evaluation.
DIY Safety
Doing it yourself is a great way to save some money, but it’s also a good way to get hurt. Whether you’re checking your roof or inspecting your trees, always use the following DIY safety rules:
- Never leave a power tool unattended
- Wear goggles when working with power tools
- Always utilize proper ladder placement
- Stay alert and mindful of your surroundings
- Use a safety mask if you are around materials that would be dangerous to inhale
- Have a first aid kit handy
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When winter thaws, it’s time for homeowners to assess the damages it may have left on their house and make corrections as needed. Rain can damage a roof, so homeowners should check for broken shingles and water damage. Gutters also do a lot of work this time of year. Patching holes and fixing leaking joints can prevent bigger problems later on. Finally, trees on your property look great and add to its value, so you want to regularly inspect them to make sure they are healthy.