Shabby Chic Boho We’re slowly but steadily coming out of the winter months, and although some places might still be frozen over, we’re starting to see a little sun as well. Before you go running off into the outdoors, however, it’s important to bear in mind that winter can be a hard season on the home, and some lingering effects might start to show themselves now. Here, we’re going to look at the parts of the home you should check now to prevent expensive repairs later.
The Gutters And Downspouts
Excessive rain is one of the hallmarks of winter, and this can result in a serious beating for the gutters and downspouts. Although it’s recommended that you clean your gutters before winter, they can still build up debris and blockages due to ice dams and heavy snow. Aside from blockages, you should check for loosened brackets or cracks that go unnoticed. Spring can bring just as much rain, and weary gutters can lead to leaks and even complete collapses that can see water running directly down the side of the home and into the foundation.
The Roof And Attic
Keep your eyes upwards as you look at the part of the home that sees perhaps the most consistent stress during the winter: the attic. All that rain and snow can cause or worsen cracks in your shingles, or even pull them entirely loose. Freezing and thawing cycles can also affect the flashing and other components. It’s best to have a roofing team inspect your roof twice a year: once before the fall, and then after winter. This makes sure that your roof is safe and healthy both before the its put to the test and after the fact. Don’t forget to check inside the attic yourself for signs of leaks or water damage to patch up.
The Windows And Doors
These parts of the home can be just as vulnerable to winter weather. The cold can cause materials to shrink and then expand again, which can lead to cracks in your caulking, damaged weather stripping, and generally a breach in your home, leading to drafts and moisture spreading. Aside from fixing the seals, be extra mindful of condensation between the panes, which can be a sign of failure that will allow the cold to get into the home much more. This will worsen with the spring rains, so get it fixed now.
The Plumbing
If you haven’t had a burst pipe during the winter, then you’ve avoided the worst of the damage for now. However, those freezing temperatures can still cause hairline cracks and weakened joints. Keep an eye out for any leaks, no matter how minor, and check under your sinks, around your toilets, and near other leaks as the temperature increases again. Pay extra attention to changes in the water pressure, as well, which can highlight any plumbing issues that aren’t quite so visible.
Proactivity is the best way to keep your home repair costs down, and there’s no better time to take action than the change of seasons.
Featured image: Photo by Karolina Grabowska www.kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-view-of-melting-ice-6609262/
