Spring Maintenance For Detroit Homes How To Check For Winter Damage

Winter and Detroit could be harsh on your homes, leaving behind issues that need attention as warmer months arrive. For short homeowners, spring is ideal to check for winter related damage, especially in the urban environments were wearing tear can be severe. In this guide, you will cover essential post winter maintenance tasks to help you keep your home safe, secure and looking at best.

Inspect roof for winter damage 

Detroit winters can be hard on your roofs. Snow and ice can cause where, while fluctuating temperatures can loose and shingles. 

• Check for missing or damaged shingles look for any shingles that are cracked, loose or missing all together. Damage shingles need immediate replacement to prevent leaks.
• Examine the flashing around your chimneys and vents the flashing around your chimneys and vents often weaken overtime. Damage flashing allows water to sleep inside, which can cause damage.
• For sagging or uneven areas areas indicate structural issues. If you spot any consider having a professional check out your roof integrity.

Clean and inspect gutters and downspouts

Detroit often brings heavy rains in the spring, so working gutters are essential to prevent water damage.

• Remove any debris, leaves, twigs and debris can clog your gutters, leaving to water, overflow, and foundation problems.
• Check for signs of rust or damage rusted or damaged gutters may need repairing or replacement. Ensure all sections are firmly attached.
• Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation downspout should extend at least 4 to 6 feet from your foundation to prevent water damage.

Examine the exterior walls for cracks or holes

Exterior walls can suffer, cracks and holes from extreme weather temperatures, letting moisture and pests into your home. 

• Look for signs of chipping, paint or stucco cracks, damage, paint or stucco can lead to moisture seeping in which can worsen the structural issues over time.
• Check for foundation, cracks cracks in the foundation can allow water to enter your home, which can lead the basement flooding and serious structural damage. You will want to make sure that you have a sump pump if you have one installed.
• Seal any small cracks or holes with caulk filling cracks with caulk or concrete filler can prevent further damage.

Access basement moisture control

Detroit homes often have basements, making moisture control critical to prevent mold and structural issues.

• Inspector basement walls, and floors for dampness look for signs of dampness, which may indicate water intrusion through foundation cracks. 
• Check your sump pump it working sump pump prevent basement flooding. Tested to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Consider a dehumidifier if your basement feels humid or must a dehumidifier can help control the moisture levels. 

Inspect windows and doors for draft or damage

Drafting windows and drawers, increase your energy bills and can let moisture inside, leading to interior damage.

• Check for cracks in window seals and caulking. Recall if necessary to prevent giraffes and water seepage.
• Inspect damaged weather-stripping weather-stripping can often wear out after winter. Replacing it to help maintain comfortable and door temperatures.
• Ensure windows open and close smoothly. Cold weather can cause swelling and sticking. Clean and lubricate window tracks if needed.

Look for water around the foundation

Water around your foundation can lead to long-term damage, especially in urban areas with close set homes.

• Inspect signs of soil erosion soil around your foundation slope away from the house. Erosion can cause water to pull the walls.
• Check landscaping for proper drainage make sure that your landscaping areas have adequate drainage away from the house to prevent foundation damage.
• Consider installing drain tiles or front these drain systems can direct water away from your foundation. 

Check for signs of mold or mildew indoors

Winter moisture can lead to mold, poses a health risk and damages your homes interior.

• Inspect bathrooms and kitchens these areas are prone to mold due to moisture and often have limited ventilation.
• Look for mold in your basement and crawlspaces often these areas have higher moisture levels. Use mold, killing cleaners if you spy any growths.
• Consider professional mold inspection if the mold seems extensive, consult a professional to assess and remove it properly.

Examine your heating and cooling system

After a heavy winter, it is smart to prepare your HVAC system for the upcoming warmer months.

• Change the furnace filter. A fresh filter can improve airflow and extend the life of your HVAC system.
• Inspect the dust debris, dusty ducts reduce efficiency, and indoor air quality. Clean or schedule a professional cleaning.
• Check for any signs of leaks or rust leaks in your HVAC system can lead to inefficiencies or damage. Address any rust on pipes or components.

Test the exterior lighting and security system

Well functioning, exterior lights and security system are especially important and urban settings like Detroit.

• Replace burnt bulbs, ensure that all outdoor lights are working for both safety and security.
• Inspect motion sensors, motion sensors condenser intruders, and increased visibility. Check for any adjustments needed to cover high traffic areas.
• Check your security cameras and make sure they are properly functioning verifying that all cameras are working as expected to maintain home security is a plus.

Prepare your lawn and garden for spring

Your lawn and garden may needs some extra care after the winter to restore green appearance and health.

• Ideally, you want to remove any dead leaves and debris cleaning up your yard allows your grass and plants to grow freely in the spring.
• Aerate your soil and rating compacted soil allows air, water, the nutrients to reach plant roots, more effectively.
• Check sprinklers for damage, ensuring that the sprinkler has and hoses are functioning correctly to prevent wasting water.
• One other thing that you want to do to prepare your lawn for this spring is to make sure that you collect all of the dog poop in your yard that has been there since winter.

Detroit winters can be tough on homes, but taking the time to address the winter damage inspecting your home, keeps your property in good shape. Following these maintenance tips can help you avoid costly repairs, improve energy, efficiency, and create a comfortable home as spring arrives.