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As the snow melts and the weather clears, it’s a good time to take stock of your home’s exterior. Does everything look good - and more importantly - work well? Often, winter weather can result in damage to your home, contributing to potentially harmful problems with your home’s siding, roofing, windows and more. Each year, it’s important to assess what renovations or repairs your home might need to remain safe, comfortable and beautiful. Think of it as ‘spring cleaning’ for your home’s exterior; take some time this season to examine your home and see what needs work.
The home experts at Champion have a few tips and suggestions for inspecting your home’s exterior, to help keep you and your family safe and comfortable year-round:
Driving rain, hail, sleet and snow can cause serious damage to your siding, but so can sun exposure, errant tree branches, dirt and debris, as well as a variety of other environmental factors. Look for chips, cracks, dents and holes in your siding, particularly toward the bottom of your house and near gutters or eaves. Older homes are more likely to sustain damage, as older wood siding tends to grow more brittle with age. Although you may be able to repair smaller problems on your own, it’s wise to seek the advice of a professional such as Champion to ensure that your home is properly protected.
Your roof works hard to keep you safe and comfortable, withstanding all kinds of weather while providing much needed insulation for your home. Over the years, your roof takes quite a beating, and wear and tear to your roof can cause problems for the rest of your home. The older your roof is, the more carefully you’ll want to monitor it. Do you notice any discoloration? Are some of your shingles missing? Be sure to go inside, too, and check for moisture or light leaks in your attic. These are signs that you may need to repair or replace your roof.
Clogged or damaged gutters don’t drain efficiently. They allow water to collect near your home’s roof, potentially resulting in structural damage. Inspect your gutters at least twice a year to properly maintain your drainage system. To make sure your gutters are in good shape, clear out any debris, flush with clean water and check the seams, ends and other parts of the gutter where the sealant may be deteriorated or where leakage may occur. If your gutters appear to be sagging or coming loose from the roof, these are also indications that they need to be repaired or replaced.
If your home is more than 15 years old, your windows and doors may not be as energy efficient as they should be. In fact, those old windows and doors may be letting in more drafts and moisture than you suspect. Start with a thorough visual inspection of your windows and doors to detect air leaks, water penetration and gaps that could be negatively affecting your home. Do any of your window panes have cracks that allow air to pass through? Do any of your windows rattle in their frames? If your windows or doors show signs of deteriorating caulking or damaged glazing, this too may be signs that it’s time to invest in energy efficient replacement windows and doors.
During the winter, your landscaping can suffer. Hit by severe frosts and bitter temperatures, trees often lose branches. Spend some time examining your trees for dead or broken branches that could potentially fall and harm your home or loved ones. Prune your trees properly to ensure that they don’t grow too near your home where they can cause damage. If you are dealing with a particularly large or high branch, you should contact a professional tree trimming service. They’ll have the proper tools and know-how to tackle the issue safely and efficiently.
Spring is a great time to inspect your home for any necessary renovations and repairs. Catching damage early may save you time, money and a whole lot of aggravation. Each spring and fall, inspect your home’s siding, roof, gutters, windows, doors, and landscaping for damage. And, remember, if you’re looking for expert advice, Champion is here to help. Whether you’re looking for maintenance-free vinyl siding or beautiful, energy efficient replacement windows, the home experts at Champion are here to help you make the most of your home.