Tip Tuesday: Spring Prep, Outside Edition
Last week we talked indoor Spring prep, so let's move outside the house. Don't worry, we'll get to the yard next week!
Gutters and downspouts
You know we're about to get the Spring rains, so cleaning your gutters is probably a no brainer, but here's something to consider, too. If your gutters and downspouts aren't draining properly, it can cause the wood at your eaves to rot. Leave the rot unattended long enough and you get holes. Meaning critters getting into your attic. Cleaning your gutters is not a fun job, but it really is important to do multiple times a year.
Roof and chimney
No, I am NOT suggesting that you jump up on your roof and take a walk around! But you can see a lot from ground level. Even without getting on a ladder you can look for lose or missing shingles, popped nails and evidence of bowing or sagging and other common problems. If you see those things, call a professional to see if you need repairs before it gets to the point of a leak.
Same with your chimney - don't actually get up there and dig deep, just do a visual inspection. Plants growing on the bricks or a calcium-like build up on the masonry joints can be signs of bigger problems, so if you see those things, call in a professional.
Pro tip - the flashing around a chimney is the most common place for a roof to start leaking so check for signs it is no longer properly attached.
Exterior woodwork and walls
We don't usually think of inspecting the sides of our house, but a visual inspection can reveal a lot of issues. Water stains can indicate issues with your gutters, errant snowballs can knock holes in siding creating holes for critters. Check for signs of termites and other critters, but also take this time to reseal any woodwork. Eaves, decks, fences and all can use a little sprucing up in the Spring. You can take this time to paint or stain as a way of protecting the wood, as well. And just check out the damage a pretty little woodpecker can cause!
Yes, that is real, it's local (it's actually my parents' house) and it really is from a woodpecker, the little booger! Woodpeckers tend to go after bugs, so even with as unattractive as this is, that's not the worst part. This is definitely cause to call an exterminator. Thank goodness it's just their garage!
Driveways and sidewalks
Freezing and thawing can do a number on your hardscaping. Take a walk around the house and driveway to check for big cracks and trip hazards. It's a lot easier to fix before it becomes a major issue.
Plumbing
If you've been following my blog for a while you knew to winterize your outdoor plumbing, but hey, we're all human, so go check. If you didn't properly winterize your outdoor faucets, now is the time to be repairing the freeze damage.
Windows and screens
Clean and reinstall your screens if you took them out for the winter (which you should have!). Before you install them, check for holes and tears. After all, that's the only way they can do their job of keeping bugs out. You don't necessarily think windows need maintenance but they are a point of access to your home, so it's important to keep them maintained and secure. While you're at it, clean the outsides of your windows and the tracks.
Gutters and downspouts
You know we're about to get the Spring rains, so cleaning your gutters is probably a no brainer, but here's something to consider, too. If your gutters and downspouts aren't draining properly, it can cause the wood at your eaves to rot. Leave the rot unattended long enough and you get holes. Meaning critters getting into your attic. Cleaning your gutters is not a fun job, but it really is important to do multiple times a year.
Roof and chimney
No, I am NOT suggesting that you jump up on your roof and take a walk around! But you can see a lot from ground level. Even without getting on a ladder you can look for lose or missing shingles, popped nails and evidence of bowing or sagging and other common problems. If you see those things, call a professional to see if you need repairs before it gets to the point of a leak.
Same with your chimney - don't actually get up there and dig deep, just do a visual inspection. Plants growing on the bricks or a calcium-like build up on the masonry joints can be signs of bigger problems, so if you see those things, call in a professional.
Pro tip - the flashing around a chimney is the most common place for a roof to start leaking so check for signs it is no longer properly attached.
Exterior woodwork and walls
We don't usually think of inspecting the sides of our house, but a visual inspection can reveal a lot of issues. Water stains can indicate issues with your gutters, errant snowballs can knock holes in siding creating holes for critters. Check for signs of termites and other critters, but also take this time to reseal any woodwork. Eaves, decks, fences and all can use a little sprucing up in the Spring. You can take this time to paint or stain as a way of protecting the wood, as well. And just check out the damage a pretty little woodpecker can cause!
Yes, that is real, it's local (it's actually my parents' house) and it really is from a woodpecker, the little booger! Woodpeckers tend to go after bugs, so even with as unattractive as this is, that's not the worst part. This is definitely cause to call an exterminator. Thank goodness it's just their garage!
Driveways and sidewalks
Freezing and thawing can do a number on your hardscaping. Take a walk around the house and driveway to check for big cracks and trip hazards. It's a lot easier to fix before it becomes a major issue.
Plumbing
If you've been following my blog for a while you knew to winterize your outdoor plumbing, but hey, we're all human, so go check. If you didn't properly winterize your outdoor faucets, now is the time to be repairing the freeze damage.
Windows and screens
Clean and reinstall your screens if you took them out for the winter (which you should have!). Before you install them, check for holes and tears. After all, that's the only way they can do their job of keeping bugs out. You don't necessarily think windows need maintenance but they are a point of access to your home, so it's important to keep them maintained and secure. While you're at it, clean the outsides of your windows and the tracks.
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