We are about halfway through the winter, which means it is time to begin your spring cleaning and renovation plans. If you live in a part of the country with a lot of snowfall and freezing temperatures, it is likely that you have not done much exterior renovation or preventative maintenance lately. The spring is the best time to complete these task and these are some of the most important to include on your list.
Roof inspection and maintenance
Your roof takes on a lot of wear and tear during the cold, winter months. Snow can quickly accumulate and put a lot of weight on the roof. Once it melts, the roof is exposed to higher amounts of water. Ice can also cause minor tears and cracks in the integrity of the roof materials. Under normal circumstances, your roof should be inspected once or twice a year. However, if you have a particularly tough winter, it might be a good idea to have it inspected even more than that. Either way, schedule your roofing inspection or roofing repair service for the beginning of spring. Many other homeowners will also be scheduling during this time, so it is best to get your appointment in as soon as possible.
Gutter inspection
Gutters are meant to protect your roof and siding. The problem with cold temperatures is that ice quickly forms and can crack your gutters. You might not notice it for many months and spring usually brings high amounts of rainfall. The water has nowhere to escape and you are left with significant water damage. As soon as a heavy snowfall melts, you want to inspect your gutters closely. Additionally, schedule a gutter inspection as soon as possible. For an average size roof, a single inch of rain can add up to 1,900 gallons of water heading into the gutters.
Exterior siding inspections
The exterior siding of your home can also be affected by high amounts of snow and ice. While there are many benefits of asphalt shingles, they still require regular inspections. The good news is, you probably won?t have to replace your shingles as often, especially if you keep up with inspections. One of the best benefits of asphalt shingles is that they last for a long time. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years depending on the climate in which they are installed. In addition to the benefits of asphalt shingles, you also might consider asphalt roofing. You can get many of the same benefits with your roofing shingles and they can easily be installed by your local roofing company.
Driveway and sidewalk repairs
High amounts of ice can also affect foundations, including your parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. Look for any cracks that could be dangerous. Also, look for drainage problems. If a crack is preventing proper water drainage into the local drain pipe, it could instead flow back into your house. Even a small amount of backflow can lead to thousands and thousands of dollars of water damage. Work with your roof contractors on evaluating all foundation drains. If you notice any drainage problems or cracks in your foundation, have them repaired or replaced immediately.
Snow might glisten in the sun and look pretty, but it can wreak havoc on the exterior of your house. Snow can freeze into ice and crack important structures of your house like the gutters, roof, and even the foundation. As soon as the weather turns and you are left with the warmth of spring, it is time to begin your housing renovations. These renovations are important in maintaining some of the most important parts of your house.