Now that Winter is Over, it’s Time to Check Your Home Inside and Out for Signs of Water Damage

Winter is finally on its way out, and the Spring Cleaning season is upon us. While Spring Cleaning is a good place to start, the turn of the season also presents an opportunity to be more thorough with your home maintenance. Now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and take care of the things you’ve neglected during the winter months. You’ll want to make sure your home is ready for April showers and the impending summer weather.

Many areas of the country had record-setting rain and snow this year, so you should start by giving your home the once over from top to bottom.  Head into the attic and on down to the basement to look for signs of moisture that you might not have noticed. Look for leaks, water stains and mold. Any odd smells — like mold or mildew — should be addressed immediately. Find and seal off the source of moisture to prevent serious water damage or mold issues.  There are a lot of how-to videos on the internet, but if you’re unsure how to fix the problem, or even if you have a problem, it’s best to call a professional.  Mold and mildew are things that can cause serious health issues and the longer you leave it, the worse it will get.

Now that you’ve inspected the house, go outside and look at your woodwork: rails, fences, trellises and other wood features need some love, too. These structures are prone to decay and rot if left alone. If you have wooden fences, repair any damage to the panels. Split or broken pieces can be glued back together if the wood is dry. Support the pieces with tape as the glue sets. Replace planks that are too damaged for repair.

And while you’re out there, check out the deck. Look for water stains, warping or discoloration. Watch out for loose or rusty nails and perform any necessary maintenance to secure stairs and railings. If you find lifting or rotting boards, replace them. Use a power washer to revitalize tired wood, then use wood oils and wood preserves to protect it. Decking oil is the best for fence treatment because it keeps the wood supple and water-resistant. Exterior wood oil helps preserve your wood and can prolong the life of your fence.

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