5 THINGS TO INSPECT ON YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

With spring arriving next week, it's time to do a systems check on your home. We have compiled 5 important things to inspect and repair if needed to ensure your home is in tip top shape for spring and summer.

1: Check Your Roof

Coming out of winter, your roof may need a little TLC. A lot of homeowners roof rake the first 2-3 feet of snow off the edge of the roof after each storm. This isn't a bad idea, however it can inadvertently cause damage to your asphalt shingles, so it's a great idea to inspect those for damage and repair or replace as needed. 

Helpful Tip: If you use a roof rake, it's recommended to use one with a plastic scoop rather than metal, as it will do less damage to the shingles and your gutter system. 

2: Check Your Perimeter Drain 

Many people aren't aware that their home's foundation has a perimeter drain (also referred to as a french drain) that terminates at a lower point somewhere around the yard or property line. Most newer homes are required to have a perimeter drainage system. It is super important to ensure you know where the perimeter drain daylights (terminates) because if you don't know then it can easily become blocked or clogged. Make sure it's free and clear of obstructions so it works properly. 

Helpful Tip: If you don't know and can't find where the drain terminates, then do some poking around in heavier rains, if it's not completely blocked then you should see a small stream coming out of it. Also it's usually located at the lowest point on your property. 

3: Check Your HVAC System 

These things are notorious for needing lots of ongoing maintenance but suffer the consequences if you're not preventative in your approach. They need to be cleaned regularly to ensure top air quality in your home and also the AC condenser or heat pump systems are notorious for gas leakage. They leak less if all connections are brazed but certainly not fool proof. That's why you should get them inspected by a pro so they can check all gas levels. 

Helpful Tip: Change out your air filters in your home regularly because when they become clogged, not only is your indoor air quality compromised, but your system will overwork to move the air it's designed to push, which can quickly create issues with the system. 

4: Check The Dryer Vent 

This one can be a fire hazard if the dryer vent system is completely clogged. This is an easy one. Find the vent that your dryer is attached to and make sure it is clean. This one will actually save you money also because if the vent is clogged, then it takes your dryer a very long time to dry a load. With a clean vent, you save money by not needing to run the dryer as long for each load. Make sure it's cleaned yearly to ensure all is working well and safe!

Helpful Tip: These are super easy to clean with a vent duster attached to a drill (just google dryer vent cleaning kit). 

5: Check Your Gutter System

Do you know if your gutters iced up this winter? If so, it's totally normal but keep in mind ice is heavy and with that weight in the gutter system it will encourage the gutter to pull away from the trim that it's affixed to. This is a serious problem. In fact, it's why we build New England's Strongest Gutters. Ice is unforgiving and if your gutters aren't up for the task, they will fall prey to Mother Nature's icy attacks. Also make sure your gutters are clear of all leaves and debris so they don't overflow. 

Helpful Tip: Break out the ladder and get up close and personal with your gutters. They'll thank you. You can always call us to help with this if you don't want to do it yourself. As always, we’re happy to help!

*NOTE - This is not an exhaustive list, just a helpful starting place.