Spring is here, so does the warm weather. Cold days, snow, and ice may have caused a terrible toll on your domicile. As a homeowner, you might be tempted to skip the maintenance of your home and ignore minor issues. But if ignored, small problems can lead to major problems that might require costly repair.

In this time of the year, it is a good idea to give your home some maintenance tour and spring cleaning to address any issues winter brought and prepare it for warmer weather that includes plenty of rain and moisture. 

Follow these simple ways to surpass spring thaw and weather-related problems like water damage. These essential spring home maintenance tips will help you prevent water damage. 

1. Inspect Roof For Damage

During winter, the roof of your home takes up most of the consequences of snow, wind storm, and ice. Delaying the repair of a minor problem like holes or broken shingles can quickly turn into a bigger problem and eventually cause a major structural problem. Do your best in inspecting your roof. Make sure to look for missing or broken shingles, cracked caulking, and rusted flashings. Moreover, spring can bring a lot of rain. Before it does, make sure that your home’s first line of defense against water damage is in good condition. If you are worried about your safety in inspecting your roof, use binoculars, or hire a contractor to climb onto the roof of your home.

2. Inspect And Clean Gutters

Similar to your roof, your gutters may have taken most of the consequences of winter. The heavyweight of ice and snow plus accumulated debris might have damaged your gutters. Thoroughly inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are not broken.

Furthermore, you should also clean your gutters. Remove any build-up debris, leaves, and branches, which can clog the system. Clogged gutters can open your home to water damage and by the time you notice it, the damage is already extensive.

3. Power Wash The Exterior

Just how much you want to clean the inside of your home, siding deck, patio, driveways, and other outside surfaces of your home also needs to be cleaned up. In winter, hail, wind, sleet, and snow can also damage your exterior. A power washer can effectively clean the outside of your home. While cleaning, make sure to inspect them for damage and repair immediately.

4. Check Your Home’s Grade Drainage

It is greatly important to have good drainage so water can properly drain and move away from your home to prevent water seepage or foundation damage. Make sure that the grading of the ground below your downspouts is properly sloped. It is recommended that the grading should descend for at least one-half inch for every one foot it moves far away from your home.

5. Check The Caulking Around Your Windows and Door

Winter weather can cause the caulking and other seals around your windows and doors to crack and harden. Make sure to repair or replace them if needed. Cracked caulking and seals can cause water intrusion during rainy days.

6. Check Outside Faucets For Damage

Cold weather can cause your outside hose faucets to freeze. Make sure to check them for damage. To check it, turn on the water and put your thumb or finger on the opening. If you cannot stop the flow of the water, then it means you are dealing with a damaged pipe and may need immediate repair.

7. Inspect Your Home’s Foundation

Your home’s foundation might be the toughest part of your home. But even this can’t get away from the consequences of winter weather. Make sure to check the foundation of your home for any cracks. Also, check the areas around your foundation for any signs of compacted soil or cracks in the soil that can be prone to pooling. During the heavy rains, pooled water can put pressure on your foundation and cause it to crack. A cracked foundation can allow water penetration in your basement

8. Test Your Sump Pump

After winter and at the beginning of spring, the frozen ground will slowly thaw out and you will need your sump pump to keep the water out of your basement. It is important to test your sump pump and make sure that it is ready to protect your home from flooding when the harsh weather comes.

If your sump pump fails, it will only take a few minutes before the disaster hits your home. Make sure that it is fully operational and free from any debris. Replace backup batteries if necessary. A malfunctioned sump pump may lead to water damage that might require the restoration of your property.

Following the tips above for spring home maintenance can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars for repair and restoration. Be on top of your home maintenance to prevent being a victim of a disaster like water damage.

If your home has suffered from water damage, call Water Damage Murrieta immediately. We are available 24/7 and can quickly respond to your restoration needs.