Volume 1, Issue 5 | May 2014
10 HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR SPRING
Dwight Barnett, Scripps Howard News Service
After a long, dark winter, spring’s be replaced. Flashing around plumbing
bright sun and warm winds are, well, a vents, skylights and chimneys need to
breath of fresh air. The only downside? be checked and repaired by a qualified
All that sunshine spotlights your leaf- roofer.
filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and
the dead plants in last year’s flower Examine the exterior of the chimney for
beds. Dwight Barnett, a certified master signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned
inspector with the American Society of and inspected by a certified chimney
Home Inspectors, shared this checklist sweep.
to help you target the areas that need
maintenance so you can get your chores Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks
done quickly, leaving you time to go or movement. All exterior slabs except
outside and play in the sunshine.
pool decks should drain away from
the
home’s
Check for loose
foundation.
or leaky gutters.
Fill cracks with
Improper
a
concrete
drainage
can
crack filler or
lead to water in
silicone caulk.
the basement
When weather
or crawl space.
permits, powerMake
sure
wash
and
downspouts
then seal the
drain away from
concrete.
the foundation
and are clear
R e m o v e
and free of
firewood stored near the home. Firewood
debris.
should be stored at least 18 inches off the
ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
Low areas in the yard or next to the
foundation should be filled with Check outside hose faucets for freeze
compacted soil. Spring rains can damage. Turn the water on and place
cause yard flooding, which can lead to your thumb or finger over the opening. If
foundation flooding and damage. Also, you can stop the flow of water, it is likely
when water pools in these low areas in the pipe inside the home is damaged and
summer, it creates a breeding ground for will need to be replaced. While you’re at
insects.
it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
Use a screwdriver to probe the wood
trim around windows, doors, railings
and decks. Make repairs now before
the spring rains do more damage to the
exposed wood.
From the ground, examine roof shingles
to see if any were lost or damaged
during winter. If your home has an older
roof covering, you may want to start a
budget for replacement. The summer
sun can really damage roof shingles.
Shingles that are cracked, buckled or
loose or are missing granules need to
Have a qualified heating and cooling
contractor clean and service the outside
unit of the air conditioning system. Clean
coils operate more efficiently, and an
annual service call will keep the system
working at peak performance levels.
Change interior filters on a regular basis.
Check your gas- and battery-powered
lawn equipment to make sure it is ready
for summer use. Clean equipment and
sharp cutting blades will make yardwork
easier.
PODCAST OF THE MONTH
Episode 210
Bill joins the KLAD Wake-Up crew
to discuss the New Construction
Company, Pahlisch Homes, the
Pheasant Run Community and the
Model Home located in Pheasant
Run.
Hear the podcast in its entirety by
visiting http://bit.ly/Episode210
DIY VIDEO TIP
How to seal a your garage floor
So you have a garage with a concrete
floor. Did you know you can seal it to
protect the concrete and improve its
appearance?
Home improvement expert Danny
Lipford explains the steps involved in
applying epoxy sealer to your garage
floor to improve its appearance.
http://bit.ly/1rmTuhG