Spring has sprung. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing, and it is time for you to begin inspecting your home for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. Spring maintenance is one of the most important times for you to inspect your home for any potential issues. Finding these problems early can lead to a speedy and cheap resolution whereas ignoring or overlooking potential damage can lead to costly repairs. Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement is dedicated to helping you to protect the value of your home.  That’s why we have compiled a short checklist of things for you to inspect now that the snow and ice have receded.

1.  Decks

Your deck is one of the more vulnerable aspects of your home.  While it provides an air of elegance and utility, it also features exposed wood that may not be properly sealed against the elements. Inspecting your deck each spring is critical, as ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay. The primary areas that you should inspect are the regions where your deck connects to your home. In this area, you are looking for water stains, damaged or decayed wood, and weakened supports.

After inspecting the connecting regions, remove any moss or mold that you have found on your deck. We at Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement recommend using a pressure washer. This tool will enable you to quickly and thoroughly remove any potentially damaging items. It is important to remember that if you notice any wood damage, such as raised wood fibers, it is critical that you increase the distance between the pressure washer and your deck.

2. Air Conditioner

Before too long, the sun will be out, and you are going to be wanting your air conditioner to be running. Spring is an ideal time to check your air conditioner for any necessary maintenance. During your inspection, you may find leaves or debris around the outdoor condenser. Remove these using your vacuum cleaner, but do so carefully. Rough handling may cause damage to your unit.

3. Foundation

Checking your foundation for cracking is critical to your yearly spring maintenance regimen. During the winter, the expansion and contraction of water as it freezes and thaws can lead to damage. Finding this damage early will help to prevent further damage and help you avoid other home improvement nightmares.

4. Gutters

Fall leaves may be clogging your gutters and drainpipes. As you prepare your home for the summer months, it is highly recommended that you inspect your gutters and clear them of any blockages. As you inspect your gutters, it is also recommended that you look for corrosion, loose fasteners and joint separation. After you clear your gutters and inspect them, it is advisable that you flush out your downspouts and unclog your leader pipes.