When the days get longer and drier in Southwestern Washington, it can only mean one thing—spring. And with spring comes the responsibilities of outdoor maintenance. And it goes beyond mowing the lawn—it’s time for a home care check-up, for the safety of your family, and for the integrity of your home.
The professionals at Boggs Inspection Services know what it takes to keep up on home maintenance. They recommend these small steps to improve your home’s structure and function.
Boggs Inspection Services shared some of the most important considerations when caring for your home this spring.
- Look at the roof.
Winter weather can be damaging to roof tiles, especially after the hard rains and extra snow we had this year. When the summer sun comes beating down, any existing damage can become worse. Make sure there are no loose or missing tiles. It’s also important to clean the roof with a non-abrasive, long-handled scrub brush and a product like Moss Off, but please remember never to power wash your roof as that in itself can ruin your tiles.
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While you’ve got the ladder out, make sure you check the gutters for debris, cracking, or leaks. First, clean the leaves, needles, and debris out your gutters, then run a hose through to check for leaks. Photo credit: Nikki McCoy Examine the gutters.
You’ve already got the ladder out, so make sure and check the gutters for cracks, debris and leaks. After you clean the leaves, needles and debris out of your gutters, run water from a hose through to check for leaks. Fix any leaks with caulking, or determine if damages are bad enough to require professional repairs. Also, ensure your gutters are connected to a downspout that’s in good working order. All downspouts should point away from your home and connect either to an underground drainage system or a splash block, directing the water away from the foundation.
- Check the concrete.
Cracks in your concrete can be a trip hazard, and reduce curb appeal. However, they can also indicate tree roots, or depending on the age, faulty installation. Consider that concrete and asphalt are composed differently—asphalt driveways are generally set up as one long, continuous surface, so they will often crack more easily than concrete surfaces, which have controlled joints spaced throughout. Freezing weather and extensive pressure (from above or underneath) can cause cracking.
- Look at the chimney.
A spring check-up for the chimney, including cleaning, is recommended, even if you didn’t use your fireplace this winter. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is the best, as they have the certification and know-how and many insurances require professional cleaning for coverage. Examining the outside is important, too. Are there wet or loose bricks? Is there crumbling or corrosion? Follow this comprehensive checklist created by Boggs Inspection Services to ensure your fireplace is safe, as well as cozy.
- Finish your tree and shrub pruning.
Because many homes in Lewis County have “established” landscaping, (which often translates to “overgrown” landscaping), make sure branches and roots are not too close to the walls and foundation of your home. Small animals can use the limbs and branches to get to your gutters, attic, and crawlspace. Leaves, trees, and shrubs that have grown against siding can cause wood rot or otherwise damage exterior materials. Also, consider trimming larger branches, the weight of overgrown branches can cause breaking or cracking during a storm.
- Go above and beyond.
Painting, caulking, and all the little elements of home maintenance are essential in keeping your home in great shape. If you need an able, professional eye to give your home the spring inspection it deserves, don’t hesitate to call Boggs Inspection Services. They will take upmost care in preventing damage and will recommend intervention if needed. They also have a local list of service providers if professional repairs are necessary.
To learn more about Boggs Inspection Services, call 360-480-9602.
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