Finally, we made it through another Maine winter! The snow has melted and spring is on the way! Although there is a light at the end of the winter tunnel, the melting snow also uncovers some potential damage that occurred through the cold winter months. It’s important as a homeowner to keep up with the maintenance of your home especially if you’re considering selling soon. Perform these simple maintenance jobs to ward off potential problems, prevent costly repairs, and pave the way for a trouble-free, relaxing summer.
#1 Clean Gutters
Consider this a twice-yearly task, spring and fall. Leaves and debris from your roof can clog up the downspout and cause overflow during those April showers. Removing the items causing the flow of water to stop at the downspout will eliminate a lot of damage to your landscaping and foundation. Also, keep note of the amount of debris from your roof as it may be time to consider replacing it. This brings us to task #2.
#2 Inspect Your Roof
Inspecting your roof close up will allow you to see more than just viewing from the ground. Inspection from a securely set ladder, or if you’re not too keen on heights, use a pair of binoculars. Here’s a few things you’re looking for: curled and missing shingles, rusted or pitted flashing, cracked caulking, skylight seals. If your roof is relatively flat and you’re confident about working on a roof, there are some repairs you can do yourself. If you’re unsure, always enlist the help of a professional.
#3 Repair Paint
Keep painted surfaces in good shape by scraping off any chipped and peeling paint and spot painting exposed surfaces. The worst thing you could do is leave bare wood exposed to the elements. Pressure washing your home's exterior is a great way to remove chips in the paint and allow for easy touch ups. Exposed wood can and will rot if left untreated, so tackle these areas first.
#4 Trim Overgrowth
Spring is a good time to trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house — tackling this task before leaves grow in allow you can see individual limbs so you won’t overtrim. It’s best to keep branches a few feet away from your house so to prevent additional moisture coming in contact with your roofing and siding. Trimming branches will also help discourage little critters from exploring ways to build a cozy home in your attic.
#5 Check Foundation
Spring is a great time to clean out foundation vents and check screens for damage. The vents allow air to circulate and dissipate excess moisture to prevent mold growth. The screens help keep critters from taking up residence in your attic and walls. Easily clean vents and screens by hand or with a shop vac. Repair any damaged screens even if you think it looks good, because mice can get inside a hole barely bigger than the diameter of a pencil!
#6 Check Windows
Leaking windows are a homeowners worst nightmare, or one of them at least. Check caulking and weather stripping around windows to insure it has remained intact through the fall and winter months. If you’re noticing condensation inside the glass on double- or triple-pane window during the winter months, the weather seal has been compromised, and either the glass or the window will need to be replaced.
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Selling your first home can be very stressful and emotional, but when you have an experienced, top-producing agent on your side, you are more likely to have a smooth and successful home sale. Contact one of our agents today to start the process of finding your forever home!
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