Spring is just around the corner and it is time to start planning those maintenance jobs that will prevent damage from occurring around your home. This is known as preventive maintenance and is a yearly event.
A good way to start is to go out to the curb and take a good look at your home once the snow is gone. Is there any noticeable items that stand out. Look closely at your shingles, are they damaged, curling or missing anywhere? Take a good look at your flashing, any pieces popped up or cracking of sealant? If you have a chimney ensure it is still straight, if brick, look for obvious signs of brick spalling, cracked brick or concrete and missing chimney caps.
Check your eavestroughs to ensure that extensions are still in place and that splash pads are still directing water away from your home. Is the water from your roof draining away from your foundation, this is a major cause of damp basements and can even lead to water penetrating your basement. Is the water from your sump pump draining away from your house? You would be amazed at the amount of homes I come across that have their sump pump draining right beside their foundation. This then goes down your wall into the weeping tile around your home and right back into your sump hole… a continuous cycle…ensure this in not happening in your home.
Be sure to check back next week when we deal with other issues concerning the Spring Maintenance of your home.
Brought to your by the Alliston Home Inspector
