Today that winter has given up its hold on the northern region of the globe and the weather has begun to warm; it’s time to inspect your residence and assess the damage caused by the harsh weather. Snowflakes, hailstorms, freeze rain, and snow can all cause significant harm to assets. A post-winter check is required to determine what, if something, needs to be corrected. The exterior of the house, its roof, the groundwork, and the lawn and exterior fittings are the four main places you should inspect.
The Outside
When evaluating the exterior of your house, pay extra attention to the cracks around your windows. Winter can be harsh on caulk and sealant; recognizing areas needing resealing can help prevent expensive water harm further into the building’s structure.
Inspect the exterior as well. Examine the paneling for any expands or stretches that could indicate where water crept underneath and froze, causing separation. If you don’t have siding, look for gaps or chips in the paint. You require a solid wall between the weakest structure and external moisture.
The Roof
Going outside and strolling around is the easiest way to evaluate your roofing system after winter. This lets you feel for soft patches and study questionable shingles attentively. Ensure that the shingles are flat and free of bulges or severe cracks. Ensure you go into your basement or crawl space after your roof inspection. Inspect the undercarriage for signs of leaks, snow, or damage from water.
The downspouts and drain system are other components of your roof examination. During the winter, gutters are highly vulnerable to ice damage. Ice damming is a term used to describe this type of damage. You most likely have this issue if you observe icicles hanging from the downspouts and eaves. Ice dams are solid ice deposits that form at the outermost portion of your roof. This ice obstructs the proper drainage of melted snow and ice. The moisture can then creep back upward beneath your shingles or your eave and refreeze, inflicting even more damage. Even if this does not occur, the heaviness of the snow can pull the gutters away from the house. This damage allows additional moisture to enter your home.
If snow dams occur, speak with a roofing consultant or contractor to assess the air circulation in your loft. Ice dams happen when the eaves of your roof are more excellent than the remaining portion of the roof. Two solutions to this issue are better insulation or better airflow in the roof space.
The Foundation
Once again, you’re looking for flaws or adjustments to the base that can allow water in. If the cracks are not addressed, extra damage, such as water and degradation, can cause your house to crumble. If you have a lower level, take a slow walk around it, looking for any water puddles or moisture issues that were not present during the previous season.
The Landscape
Examine the plants and trees around your foundation. Any overgrown branches or debris near the floor should be removed. Examine the trees in the area to see whether they need to be pruned or removed. The spring storms can produce high gusts and easily fall winter-damaged trees.
While it’s great to check on the areas that should be inspected by the homeowner, it’s also important to have a specialist like Bay State Exteriors to evaluate your roof properly and ensure your house is protected at all times. If you want to learn more about our roofing services, get in touch today!