Checking Your Home’s Exterior

Spring may not be in full bloom yet, but it certainly is coming! And, you know, spring not only brings a pleasant and invigorating change in the weather, but it also provides an ideal time for home maintenance and updates. The strain and decay of a cold, hard winter are behind it, and the new season ahead is full of opportunity for your property. The question becomes, where do you start?

Start by taking a walk around your home, performing a general inspection. This will help you to keep tabs on those points that may have been damaged by winter, which in turn will naturally prioritize your to-do list. Here are a few areas to check:

• Caulking and weatherstripping – Making sure that there is no damage to these areas will keep your home efficient and sound.
• Gutters – Winter is incredibly hard on gutters, especially when freezing temperatures create extra strain and weight on the drainage system. Also look for debris that might be trapped, creating the potential for dangerous dams. When spring rains come you want to be sure that nothing impedes the run-off of water.
• Roofing – Shingles that may have fallen into your yard are an obvious sign of trouble, but also look for budding weak spots on your roof itself. Shingles that are peeling and/or torn will require attention. Identifying these failing portions early on can save you a larger headache (or property damage) down the road.
• Siding and decks – Take a look at the wood around the exterior of your home, with a special eye out for wood rot. Decayed sections will need to be repaired in order to nip a quickly spreading problem in the bud.

By checking these aspects of your home you will be able to decide what type of maintenance or updating your home is in need of. Whether you need assistance to replace wood that has began to rot, have your home’s exterior repainted, fix any damage due to dams that were created over the winter, or any other maintenance or updating you need to help with, Korth & Shannahan is always here to get the job done. 🙂