We’re barely into spring, so you’re probably not even thinking about next winter. But when it comes to home improvements in May, it’s important to remember how they can impact your property when the cold weather comes around again. You’ll be doing your future self a favor by making smart improvements to your home’s exterior now.
From roof and siding inspections to storm damage and window seals, start planning your spring maintenance tasks now so they will pay off later. It helps to partner with a contractor in the Twin Cities with the experience and resources to make it all happen!
Here are some spring improvements to consider for your home this spring. Taking care of these small things now will prevent larger issues from occurring come winter.
Roofing Systems
Any solid spring-time inspection should include your roofing system. That means your roof and your gutters should be looked at. Things like missing shingles, damaged flashing, leaks and clogged gutters can occur over winter, which is why spring it a great time to address these. Fortifying your roof now will ensure that your property will be well prepared to weather the storms of next winter. Start with a quick inspection yourself from the ground. Using binoculars, check for any issues such as dangling shingles or water stains. Then, hire your trusted roofer for a full roofing inspection.
Storm Damage
Winter in Minnesota is not always a treat. Your exteriors will surely be showing signs of damage from those winter storms we had. These issues will become clear now that the snow and ice have thawed. We’ll check for:
- Visible debris on the roof
- Damaged chimney flashing or gutters
- Missing or broken shingles
- Water stains on interior and exterior walls
- Holes or dents on exterior walls or roof
- Dents, cracks and paint chips in soffits and fascia
- Small cracks in window glass
- Damage to fencing
- Downed cables, damaged trees and tilting pylons
- Water pools in crawlspaces
Once you have addressed these issues, your home will remain strong throughout summer and fall, and ultimately, get through winter unscathed. Trust your exterior contractor to make all storm damage repairs now before they get worse.
Siding
The wind, freezing temperatures, ice and moisture from winter and early spring can take a toll on your paint and siding. Inspect all areas of your siding, up and down. Just take a walk around the exteriors of your home to check for cracking or peeling, or saturated and rotting wood (this happens a lot during spring). Your exterior contractor can make touchups to the paint, replace damaged siding panels, or replace areas of exposed rotted wood.
Windows
You may not realize it, but your windows withstand a lot of abuse in winter and spring, especially when it comes to the caulking, seals, and weather stripping. Gaps or cracks can leak cool conditioned air this summer, so closing those up will help keep your family more comfortable while decreasing your energy bills. The reverse is true next winter, where you can keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
At the same time, be sure to check on the condition of the frames, looking for any cracks or misalignments. Spring is a good time to have your contractor wash your windows and install screens.
Contact Allstar Construction for Spring Home Improvements
Allstar Construction can perform a complete spring inspection of your home so next winter will be less of a challenge. To learn more, contact us today.