At last! Spring is here and Chicagoland is slowly but surely prying itself loose from winter’s icy grip. Winter’s legacy endures, however – in the home damage caused by snow, extreme cold and freeze/thaw cycles. Checking for and fixing the myriad little problems cold weather leaves in its wake can ensure your home heads into the warm months ready for whatever spring, summer and fall throw its way. Here is this month’s to-do list.
April To-Dos:
Check Sliding Doors and Windows
Winter can be tough on sliding doors. If yours isn’t operating smoothly, check the track for buildup of dirt and other debris. Sliding doors and windows have drain holes to allow the release of rainwater and condensation. Like the tracks themselves, those holes can get filled with detritus, letting dirt and water accumulate, damaging the track system and allowing water to get inside your house and damage adjacent floors and walls. Sliding doors also have an adjustment mechanism that allows for the balancing of the heavy glass. If it’s not calibrated it will not function properly. Another reason sliding doors or windows may not be operating properly is because track rollers are worn out and need to be replaced.
Turn on Your Water
It’s almost time to start watering the lawn, washing down the driveway and cleaning the dirt from your siding. So with the danger of another deep freeze largely behind us, mid-April is a good time to turn on your outside water source.
Check and Seal Exterior Penetrations
Every house has several “penetration points,” from A/C hoses to HVAC exhaust vents, dryer vents and more. The freeze/thaw cycle can cause the seals around these points to crack and allow bugs, rodents and other creepy crawlies an entryway into your home.
Examine Decks and Play Equipment
Both decks and children’s play equipment can suffer over the winter from their constant exposure to extreme weather. Look at both closely for signs of deterioration or damage. Check your deck for loose boards or rotting, and examine the railing system for any loose boards or connections. Tighten screws and railing bolts and hammer down any exposed nails. If needed clean and reseal. Sometimes decks can be refurbished WITH new decking materials – there are many new materials available today that can revive the look and feel of your deck. Children’s outdoor play equipment should be checked for loose connections or rot at soil level. Also, look for splinters and loose and/or exposed metal and hardware.
Water-ize Your Home for Spring and Beyond
In this issue, we feature an interview with plumbing expert Mike Kerrigan, who offers up several easy tips for keeping water from becoming a problem for your home as we move into warmer, and rainier, weather. Check it out.
Need repairs or maintenance to get your home ready for the warmer weather? Talk to Get Dwell today.