Winter’s harsh weather often leaves a trail of damage in its wake, testing the resilience of our homes. Heavy snow, freezing temperatures, relentless winds, and ice accumulation during winter can severely impact your property’s structure and functionality.
As spring nears, assess winter’s impact on your home and take proactive steps to address damage and ensure repairs.
In this article, we’ll cover key post-winter home maintenance tasks to restore and protect your property and prepare it for upcoming seasons.
Inspecting the Roof
Winter weather can significantly impact your roof, making it one of the first areas to inspect after the season ends. Snow, ice, and strong winds can damage shingles, crack flashing, and clog gutters, causing leaks and water infiltration issues.
In addition, HomeKeep states that most roofs can’t bear over 20 pounds per square foot without stress. Allowing snow to accumulate all winter increases weight significantly. Just 3 inches of packed snow or 1 inch of ice weighs about 1 pound per square foot.
Initiate a visual inspection of the roof by checking for missing or curled shingles, areas of sagging, and any accumulation of debris. For a more comprehensive evaluation, either ascend a ladder with appropriate safety precautions or enlist the services of a professional roofing contractor.
Focus on gutters and downspouts; ice dams from winter can block drainage, causing water pooling and potential roof damage.
Debris removal and effective drainage are paramount. Fixing minor roof issues early prevents costly repairs, safeguards your home from water damage, and helps extend your roof’s lifespan effectively.
Gutter and Downspout Cleaning
Winter often clogs gutters and downspouts with debris like leaves, twigs, and ice, hindering proper drainage. If this blockage remains, water may accumulate on the roof or foundation, causing significant damage. Consistent cleaning is vital to avoid mold problems, water damage, and erosion around your home.
The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District recommends cleaning gutters and downspouts three times a year (spring, fall, winter) to remove debris. Ensure the gutters slope correctly towards the downspout, and install downspout extensions (6-10 feet) to direct water away from your home.
The extension pipe should have a proper slope to prevent restricted flow. If the storm sewer connection fails, consult a contractor for resolution.
How often should I clean my gutters, and what tools do I need?
Gutters require cleaning three times per year, with spring and autumn being optimal periods. Essential tools for this task include protective gloves, a sturdy ladder, a trowel or scoop, and a garden hose. A gutter cleaning attachment or pressure washer can help reach tight spots and ensure thorough debris removal.
Assessing and Repairing Exterior Walls
Winter’s harsh weather can lead to cracks, peeling paint, and water stains on your home’s exterior. Start by checking for visible damage like chipped brick, gaps in the siding, or damaged mortar. These issues compromise both the aesthetics and the structural integrity of your home.
Repair small cracks with weatherproof sealants and touch up any peeling paint to prevent further damage. For larger issues like extensive cracking or loose siding, it’s best to hire a professional. Also, check that the drainage systems around the walls are working properly to avoid water pooling and potential damage.
Painting and Touch-Ups
Winter weather can leave your home’s exterior looking dull, with paint peeling or fading due to moisture and freezing temperatures. Repainting your home not only improves its visual appearance but also safeguards its surfaces from the deteriorating effects of the weather.
Before starting, assess the condition of your exterior walls and trim, noting areas where the paint has chipped or cracked.
In areas with extended winters, such as Mercer Island, adequate preparation is essential. According to WeatherSpark, the cool season in Mercer Island lasts for 3.6 months, from November 12 to March 1. December is the coldest month, with an average low temperature of 38°F.
Before painting, ensure proper surface preparation. This includes a thorough cleaning and the repair of any existing damage, such as cracks, holes, or chips. However, for a seamless finish and long-lasting results, hiring experienced professionals is highly recommended.
Top-ranking Mercer Island painters are known for their expertise in selecting weather-resistant paints and achieving flawless finishes tailored to the region’s climate.
EA Pro Painters notes that their skilled contractors are fully equipped to handle almost any painting project on Mercer Island. They utilize top-quality products and techniques to ensure a flawless finish. They specialize in weatherproofing and safeguarding your home or business from the elements.
What are the best practices for preparing surfaces before painting?
Prior to painting, ensure surfaces are meticulously cleaned to eliminate grease, dirt, and flaking paint. Sand rough areas using sandpaper with a grit range of 40 to 60 for a smooth finish and repair cracks or holes with filler. Prime the surface for better paint adherence and mask off surrounding areas.
Preparing Your Garden and Landscape
According to Illustrarch, research shows that well-designed outdoor spaces significantly boost property values. Proper landscaping alone can increase a property’s value by up to 12%. However, winter often shatters your property value, leaving the gardens and landscapes needing attention.
To encourage healthy growth, start by clearing away any debris that may be hindering the plant’s development. Prune damaged or overgrown trees and shrubs to encourage regeneration and prevent safety hazards. Improve soil aeration for better drainage and stronger roots.
Inspect irrigation systems for leaks or blockages caused by freezing temperatures and repair them as needed. Consider adding fresh mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilize your lawn and garden beds to replenish nutrients lost during winter.
Inspecting and Maintaining HVAC Systems
Post-winter, inspecting and maintaining your HVAC system is essential to ensure its efficiency for the coming seasons. Begin by examining the air filters for dirt and debris, as clogged filters can lower efficiency and affect indoor air quality. Replace components as needed to prevent airflow restrictions and maintain peak performance.
Check the outdoor unit for damage, such as debris buildup or frozen coils, and remove any obstructions. Test the thermostat to ensure accurate temperature control, and schedule a professional tune-up to address issues like refrigerant leaks or motor wear.
By regularly maintaining your HVAC system, you’ll enjoy lower energy bills, extend its lifespan, and experience consistent comfort all year long.
When should I consider replacing my HVAC system instead of repairing it?
Unusual noises, odors, inconsistent temperatures, frequent breakdowns, or high energy bills may signal the need to replace your HVAC system. Consider upgrading if it’s over 15 years old or repair costs surpass half the price of a new unit.
Restore, Protect, and Prepare Your Home for the Future
Winter can significantly impact your home, causing various damages. With timely and thorough maintenance, you can address these issues and protect your property for future seasons.
By addressing issues early, you’ll not only prevent costly repairs but also enhance your home’s value and functionality. Take proactive steps today to restore your home, and it will be ready to withstand whatever the next winter brings.
Article and permission to publish here provided by Danielle Ferguson. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on January 6, 2024.
Cover image provided by pexels.com.