With spring on its way, property owners should be looking ahead to exterior upkeep and inspections. Spring is the perfect time to do such inspections because the weather is mild, the snow is melting, and it’s easier to see how the winter impacted your exteriors. From siding and roofing to gutters and decks, winter can be brutal.
By engaging in a spring exterior inspection checklist, you can create action items that need to be addressed in order of priority. There are some things you can do as part of a seasonal inspection, but there are other things that are best left up to the professionals.
Check out this handy spring exterior inspection checklist for your HOA.
Initial Inspection
The first thing to do is tackle an initial inspection of your exteriors. Walk around the property with a notebook or clipboard in hand, making note of anything that seems glaringly wrong, such as missing shingles, dented siding or cracked windows. If you don’t have time to perform this initial inspection, hire professional exterior maintenance contractors in the Twin Cities.
Gutters and Downspouts
Do you see clogged gutters and downspouts? Make a note to have them cleaned out. All that moisture and rotting debris can restrict the free flow of water and lead to foundation damage. Plus, it can make the gutters so heavy that they pull away from the exteriors, and all that debris can attract insects as well.
Siding and Exterior Walls
Check the state of your siding and exterior walls for signs of damage and dirt accumulation. Pressure washing can get rid of months of grime and dirt. Keep in mind that organic materials can actually eat away at your siding if not removed, reducing its useful life span. Check your walls for signs of carpenter ant or termite infestations. Notice if there are any areas that need to be patched up or repaired.
Windows
Examine the window seals, weather stripping, and caulking for your windows. If you notice gaps or cracks, this is where air can leak into or out of the home. You may also be in need of window cleaning, which can be achieved with rubbing alcohol, white wine vinegar, and water along with a soft cloth. But to avoid doing damage to all those delicate windows, call a pro who can handle them with care.
Don’t forget to clean your screens of debris and small bugs. You’ll have to remove the screens, rinse them down, dry them off, then replace them.
Decks and Porches
Wood decks and porches in particular need a lot of TLC, especially in spring, to inspect for areas of rot, deterioration and termite infestation. A low pressure wash for your deck is also a good idea, but is best done by a pro due to the potential for damage such as paint chipping and splintering.
Roofs
As part of your initial inspection, you don’t have to climb up on a ladder and onto the roof to inspect it, as this is a dangerous proposition. You can grab a pair of binoculars and view things from the safety of the ground. Look out for missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or anything else that looks out of place.
Foundations
Take a look at the foundation walls, floors, masonry and concrete for signs of deterioration, cracks, or leaks. Even the smallest of cracks can encourage water to get into the property and cause damage.
Now that you have conducted an initial inspection of your property, it’s time to call your trusted exterior maintenance contractors in Minnesota.
Contact Allstar Construction
Allstar Construction can provide a spring inspection for your home, HOA or apartment complex. You may be interested in our Seasonal Maintenance Plans, too. To learn more, contact us at : (952) 234-9995.
