With the extreme fluctuations in winter temperatures and the endless cycle of freezing, thawing, strong winds, ice and snow, your residential exterior can take a beating. From the eavestrough and siding to deck boards and fencing, anything that is subject to constant exposure to weather is going to deteriorate.
It’s for that reason the people at Buchner Manufacturing suggest some spring maintenance is required to ensure everything is in top shape for the rest of the year.
“Spring is a good time to conduct some routine inspection of all your exteriors systems,” said Kelsey Veale, Marketing Specialist with Buchner Manufacturing in Newmarket. “Then you can complete any preventative maintenance required to protect your home and outdoor structures.”
Veale suggest there are five primary areas that should be inspected each spring, starting with the eavestroughs.
“With your eaves you’re looking to see if there are any clogs, leaves, and debris that could potentially cause them to overflow,” said Veale. “Check your downspouts as well to ensure they are flowing freely and carrying water away from the home. You also want to make sure the hangers are still intact and working properly to secure the eaves.”
Roof inspection is the next area that should be conducted each spring. Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather patterns, and a harsh winter can cause damage to your roofing systems. Checking to ensure all shingles or roofing materials are in place can help prevent any water from seeping into your interior. Another area that requires spring inspection is your siding. Siding acts as an exterior shield to your home and protects against the season elements.
“Take a good look at your soffit and facia,” said Veale. “ Make sure there are no holes where water can get in or where critters can enter and cause a ruckus in your attic. Problems with your exterior siding can also impact your home’s energy efficiency by allowing heat to escape in the winter and cool air to escape in the summer, increasing your monthly bills.”
Conducting a detailed inspection of your windows is also recommended. This begins by thoroughly examining the state of the caulking around each window. Any cracks or missing pieces could indicate that new caulking is necessary to protect the window seal.
The final step in your spring inspection should be focused on all your exterior structures and amenities, from your decking boards and railings to the state of your fencing.
“If you have any outdoor structures, decks and fences, it's a great idea to check them for wear and tear,” said Veale. “There could be underlying decay, cracking, or moisture rotting that you might not notice on the surface. The underneath of your deck is exposed to weather elements all year round. Take a look under your deck and see whether the structure is secure or if you need to repair it. It’s also important to check your railing to make sure they’re still secure and avoid any risk of injury.”
At Buchner Manufacturing, they offer a wide range of high quality exterior building products including aluminum and steel rain ware, siding, roofing, windows, tools, and so much more.