Winter is coming to a close. It seems like forever since the last time you looked at your home, or could even see it without being covered in snow. A lot of homes sustain damage from the winter weather. Most is minor, but in some instances, the damage can be severe. A proper assessment of your home's interior and exterior will help you find any potential damage. Then you can contact a professional to develop a plan to make the necessary repairs.
Let's start on your home's exterior. First, take a walk around the perimeter. Look for any missing shingles on your roof. The wind is brutal in some areas, and the shingles get brittle when cold. If not properly installed or sealed before the onset of the cold, windy weather, the shingles are prone to blowing off. Look on the ground for pieces of shingles. A few small chunks usually isn't much to worry about, especially if you had ice dams removed, but if you are seeing large pieces all over your yard, you may have a bigger problem looming in the near future. Also look for missing or damaged siding and overhang trim. The wind and ice sometimes loosen these as well.
While walking around your home, you will want to check for icicles too. Icicles should be on the front of gutters, and smaller in size. If you notice icicles behind your gutters, in your overhang, or coming out of your siding, this means the water has penetrated your roof and underlayments. If the icicles are tinted brown, then you have sustained some damage to the sheathing in the area and should be looked at by a professional as soon as weather allows.
As the snow melts and your gutters thaw, while walking around your home, you will want to check where each downspout drains into your yard. If you find large piles of granules, or small chunks of shingles, this indicates excessive wear of your roof shingles. It is important to have a professional inspect your roof for possible replacement.
There are some things to look for on the inside of your home too. First, look at all the perimeter walls and ceilings. You may not have noticed a small leak this winter. Bubbling or peeling paint and small water marks will show you the way. Check window jambs and sills for water marks. Check all of your windows for cracks. Older windows with single panes are vulnerable to cracking in extreme cold temperatures or high wind.
If you have attic access, you can check for leaks at your eaves, around pipes protruding through the roof, chimneys, flashing areas, etc. Now is a good time to check your insulation as well. A minimum of 12" of attic insulation is recommended in our northern climate. Be sure your insulation is not blocking airflow from your eaves, and if it is, pull it away (you should be able to see light coming from your eaves in your attic).
This is just a few ways you can help keep your home in good shape to enjoy for years to come. If you would prefer a professional survey of the damages, if any, on your home from this winter, call 716.316.1831 to speak to me directly. Or visit our website, www.built-righthomeimprovements.com to contact us.
No comments:
Post a Comment