A blanket of snow may be pretty to look at, but what is it covering up? The harsh winter weather takes a toll on the exterior of homes and yards, while much of the damage and debris is hidden until spring. Once the snow melts and the moderate temperatures are upon us again, it is a good time to take a walk around the property. Grab your jacket and a clipboard, if you’d like, before heading out for your stroll. Below, we’ll discuss what to look for on your spring maintenance walkabout.

Start at the top
Your roof is the most abused part of your house during the winter. Don’t worry about climbing, though. Check for obvious things like leaks from the attic. Otherwise, take that pair of binoculars and see if anything looks amiss. Search for cracked, crooked or missing shingles. Nail pops usually are indicated by a shingle tab being pushed up by the head of the nail below. The shingle tab will give a slightly raised "eyebrow" appearance from below. Water is likely to seep around the raised nail. If anything looks damaged, it should be addressed. Fixes on your roof require products that you may not use year round. Renting these items can save you both time and money in the long run.

Other things that should be checked are the gutters and chimney(s) which may have suffered damages during the long winter months.

All four sides
Is there any damage to your siding? Look all around the outside of your home, especially under the
eaves and near gutter downspouts. Look for signs of water staining which will indicate a leak from above. For wood siding, check for popped nails and knot-holes. These and any other openings will provide easy access for bugs and other pests to move in.

If the outside of your home is looking neglected, rent a pressure washer to make this spring project a bit quicker. Just be sure to stop in and chat with us before taking on this project so we can make suggestions on just the right amount of pressure that you’ll need. A pressure washer can also come in handy because it can handy with your driveway and wooden deck.

Your outdoor spaces
The freezing and thawing of water, as well as salt can be hard on driveways and sidewalks. Take a look and address any holes or cracks that have occurred. If your concrete looks to be in good shape, it still may be a good idea to apply a fresh coat of sealant to keep moisture at bay.

Any exposed wood outdoor structures like decks, privacy fencing and latticework should be inspected for damage. Look for warping, popped nails and loose boards. Does your deck only need a washing or is it time for stain/sealer?

Take a look at your shrubbery and trees. Remove any broken or fallen branches and allow for the new growth. It’s also good to note that during the early spring, while little has grown back yet, it’s the best time to plan any changes you like to make with your landscaping. Sketch things out now, so that when the warmer weather hits and the ground thaws, you are ready to start digging.

Although it’s easy to seem like you may have a lot of work to do before the spring sets in, don’t worry, we are here as a resource to you. Feel free to give us a call or visit our website to shoot us an email with any questions you may have.