Harsh winter weather can be brutal on the condition of your home. Now that the ice and snow have melted, you may be able to see some of the damage that the weather has done to your home. Making repairs now is a great way to improve the condition of your home and to minimize the chance of some of these smaller repair issues developing into larger and more costly issues. These are few of the different steps that you can take to improve your home’s condition after a long, hard winter.
Spruce Up Your Yard
The vegetation in your yard can take the brunt of the force of winter weather, but you can spend a few hours sprucing up your front and back yards. For example, you can re-mulch your flower beds and even add some color to these areas by planting new annuals. Trim back trees and bushes if necessary, and fertilize your lawn in preparation for the growing season that is gearing up. Clear any leaves that may have been trapped between the snow and grass to allow the sod to breathe—this prevents rot and allows your grass to grow quickly and evenly.
Touch Up the Paint
The wind, rain, ice and snow can cause paint to peel and flake away, and now is a great time to touch up your paint. Keep in mind that exposed surfaces that are not sealed with paint may be more likely to develop wood rot or other issues, so re-painting is necessary for cosmetic and protective reasons. Not all sides of your home may need a retouch, so focusing on the areas which were exposed to the elements and took the most damage will save you both time and money.
Repair the Roof
All types of roofs can become damaged during the winter months. You may be able to spot some signs of roof damage from the ground level, or you can request a professional roofing inspection from a specialist. Generally, roof repairs are best left to a professional, and you may need to patch up some areas or replace the entire roof if it is severely damaged. At the very least, perform an inspection in your attic to make sure your roof has survived the winter without developing leaks—catching damage early is the best way to prevent a disaster.
Repair Cracks and Potholes
Pavement, such as on your driveway, sidewalks and patio areas, can develop cracks and potholes during cold winter weather conditions. An expert from Loflin’s Paving says repairing these early can minimize the likelihood of a small crack or pothole widening and becoming an unsightly, dangerous problem. You can patch up smaller areas on your own as a temporary fix, but larger cracks and potholes should be professionally repaired for the best results.
Not every home will require all of these repair and maintenance efforts. A smart idea is to walk around the perimeter of your home, carefully inspecting the yard and the home from top to bottom. Take note of the damaged areas, and make plans to repair the damage as soon as possible.
