Spring Home Maintenance

Spring is the time to get your yard in shape and take care of any exterior problems that developed over the winter. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Doors and Windows: Check the paint or other finish on doors, windows and trim. Check windows for broken glass and damaged screens. Repair as needed.
2. Attic: Check underside of roof for water stains or dampness; if you see any, find how the water is penetrating the roof and eliminate the leakage.
3. Interior: Check all painted and natural finished surfaces for damp spots, mildew, discoloration, cracks, obulges caused by leaks or condensation of water (including ceilings in closets). I ceilings show any of these problems, determine whether water is coming from above or condensing from humidity within the living space.
4. Exterior Walls: Check foundation for loose or missing mortor, and for cracks or crumbling.
5. Roof: Check roof for damage or wear, use binoculars; look for shingles missing, cracked or curled; loot at chimneys, valleys, and metal flashing to see if metal is rusting or bricks are loose or flaking.
6. Yard: Clean out gutters, a matted layer of leaves or other debris in gutters could cause damage to the boards to which they are attached.