As the snow starts to melt, you probably feel like you can finally take a breath of fresh air. However, the melting snow can cause a lot of problems for homeowners, particularly those who live in older homes. For this reason, you’ll want to take some time to inspect your home for damage from the winter months to avoid any problems down the road. 

Check the Grading Around Your Home 

The grading is the way the land slopes around the home. Ideally, the dirt that comes up against the home should slope down and outward so water is directed away from the foundation. This is important because if the water seeps in, it can cause damage. Because melting snow can pool around the outside of your home be sure to do a thorough check. 

Pay Attention to the Gutters

When the snow melts, the water runs down the roof and into the gutters. However, if the gutters are clogged – usually with leaves – the water can’t get through. These clogs will allow the water pool, which can cause damage to the roof and the siding of the home. Check the gutters of your home for clogs. 

Additionally, you should check the gutters are still securely attached to the home. During the winter, ice dams sometimes form in the gutters, causing icicles and heavy buildup in the gutters. In extreme cases, the weight of this ice pulls the gutters away from the home. If the gutters are starting to come off, you may need to have a professional come out to fix the problem.

Inspect the Home for Damage

Snow and ice can cause damage around the home. They can cause the driveway to crack, and leaks in the roof might result in water damage to the wood underneath and even mould growth. Once the snow has melted, walk around the outside of the home to see if anything looks out of place. On the inside, check the basement and attic areas for any signs of water.

Scrub the Outside of the Home

You regularly clean the inside of your home, but the outside can sometimes use a bit of TLC as well. Rent a power washer to blast off any dirt that’s built up over the winter. In particular, inspect the exterior for signs of mould and scrub those away.

It’s also a good time to get your patio furniture ready for the good weather. If you’ve kept it in storage during the winter, it probably needs a good scrub. 

Get Some Fresh Air Flowing

You’ve probably kept the windows closed for most of the winter, so it’s time to open them up and exchange the air in the home. Open all the windows at once so there’s a good cross-breeze. It might not be warm enough to keep them open all day, but opening them for around 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in air quality.

Do Some Spring Cleaning

You’ve been cleaning your home throughout the winter, but it’s been too cold to take care of some tasks. With the nice weather, you might want to give it a good spring clean. Bring out your blankets and area rugs to beat the dust out. You can finally hire some carpet cleaners to deep clean your carpets and let them dry completely with the breeze from outside coming in. A deep cleaning of your home will make you feel as fresh as the new season. 

Make Maintenance Appointments

Many of your appliances require regular maintenance, and spring is the perfect time to start making those appointments. You’ll especially want to call someone to give your air conditioner a tune-up to get ready for the hot summer months. At the very least, replace the filters so the machine will be working efficiently when you turn it on. You might also need to get a roof inspection, add blacktop to the driveway, or clean out the air ducts. 

With a brand-new home, you don’t have to worry as much about excessive rain and melting snow damaging your home, but it’s still a good idea to be vigilant. Taking these preventative measures from the moment you move in will help your home stay in top shape for many years.

Photo credits: flowers, gutter, window