With the winter season over and spring in full bloom, life continues to move at a fast pace, which is why it’s important to ensure that all components of your home are prepared for the seasons to come. This can be in the form of a roofing replacement, a window replacement, gutter cleaning or even siding maintenance. Remember that all of these components work together to provide your home maximum comfort, energy efficiency and performan
Spring is the perfect time of year to check on the condition of your roof following the cold, brutal winter season. It’s also a good idea to take the opportunity to check other parts of your home and repair or replace components as necessary. Remember that delaying repairs now could lead to even costlier repairs down the line. However, it’s even more important to have a proactive mindset when it comes to taking care of your home.
In this post, Window World of Boston, the top roofing company in your area, shares a comprehensive spring home maintenance guide for you to consult.
Inspect your roofing system. Even if your roof didn’t suffer any serious damage from the winter elements, the spring season provides a great opportunity to see if there are any serious underlying issues with your roofing system. When inspecting your roof, make safety your top priority. While we generally don’t recommend that homeowners go up on the roof themselves, make sure that the ladder is stable if you do attempt the climb. Don’t walk around or linger on top of your roofing system for prolonged periods if you aren’t certain of its condition.
Better yet, contact your local roofing contractor for assistance if you notice damaged shingles or signs of leakage. They’ll help you move forward when you spot these roofing issues. You should also consider removing stains on your roof during the spring season. These stains and streaks are caused by algae carried by the wind. While it only affects your roof’s aesthetics, it’s best to clean it off altogether.
However, it’s a different story if you’re dealing with moss. Moss can cause your shingles to lift, curl or tear away when high winds blow. This is because it hastens the degradation process. To clear algae and moss from your roof, apply an equal solution of bleach and water. After letting it set for 15 minutes, rinse it off with a gentle stream of water. Don’t use a pressure hose or washer or you might damage the shingles.
Clean the gutters. Call on your gutter and roofing company to assist you with gutter cleaning and maintenance. Your gutters are an important component that you should always take good care of, and clearing debris from them will ensure uninterrupted performance. Make sure that they’re free from debris and leaves, and replace them if they’re sagging or beyond repair. If you notice holes or perforations in them, you can have them caulked. It’s also worth noting that downspouts should be installed facing away from your home to improve drainage performance.
Inspect your concrete. Check the concrete fixtures around your house, such as the driveway, pool deck and walking paths. If you notice that they’re cracked or damaged, fill the gaps with silicone caulk or concrete filler. Otherwise, you should have your concrete fixtures replaced by a professional contractor.
Test your outdoor faucets. It’s important to test your outdoor faucets since they’re used in cleaning and maintaining your landscaping in order to keep it looking inviting and vibrant. Open them up and let them run. Put your finger over the opening, and if the water stops, make sure that you call a plumbing professional to take a look at your plumbing. You should also check for other signs of leakage.
Inspect your decking. Just as with a roofing replacement project, you’ll need to repair or replace your deck if it’s starting to look run down. Look closely for signs of water stains, warping and discoloration. Be careful not to injure yourself on loose or rusty exposed nails while doing the inspection. Have your stairs and railings secured for extra protection. If you notice that your decking boards are lifting, have them replaced immediately.
Don’t forget about your AC unit. While you probably won’t be using your air conditioner much during the winter season, it’ll come in handy during the spring and summer months. Make sure that you clear any debris away from the unit and conduct basic maintenance such as filter replacement, duct cleaning and ventilation maintenance. Remember that a clogged filter can affect your air conditioning unit’s efficiency, making it harder for your cooling unit to function properly. Not to mention. this will also affect your home’s indoor air quality. The importance of this step cannot be overstated since it can lower your home’s energy consumption by 15%. Make sure that HVAC maintenance is done by an experienced technician that knows advanced maintenance methods and can also inspect coolant levels.
Open your windows. Since it’s starting to warm up, you can open up your windows to let in fresh air without worrying about extremely cold air. Opening your windows will allow stagnant air to escape, which will help improve your home’s indoor air quality. While your windows are open, you can also clean the interior and exterior window sills to improve their appearance and curb appeal.
Inspect the basement and attic. The basement and attic are areas in your home that are prone to moisture and mold growth. It can be very easy to miss these signs, especially if maintenance isn’t done frequently. Make sure to keep an eye out for signs of leakage, water stains and mold growth. Also, be aware of any musty odors that are reminiscent of mold or mildew. These issues should be addressed immediately, as mold and mildew can spread throughout your home and cause health issues. Seal off sources of moisture to prevent water or mold damage from worsening.
As a leading window and roofing contractor, you can rely on Window World of Boston for your next home improvement project. Give us a call at (781) 262-3925 (Woburn), (781) 343-7129 (Pembroke), or (508) 845-6676 (Shrewsbury). You can also fill out our contact form to get a free estimate.
