Digging Out After WinterCities across the United States experienced a variety of conditions during the winter of 2014. Whether your winter season was mild or harsh, spring repairs are not something to disregard this year. Homeowners should inspect and monitor their homes, especially during transitions from one season to the next.

Clearing Away Snow And Debris

If you have a lot of snow buildup around the perimeter of your house, water will play a large factor in any damage that your home may experience. The transition from winter to summer affects your home’s structure and can lead to expensive fixes if routine maintenance isn’t performed. By clearing the snow away from your house, foundation and structural damage can be avoided. Emptying snow and debris out of your gutters can help you avoid ice dams, which can save your roof and wallet. Lastly, be sure to shovel snow off of your deck and driveway to avoid large cracks as well.

Playing Detective

It never hurts to perform some routine inspections on your roof and gutters. Look for shingles that may be warped or worn, any metal that is rusting, or any caulk that is cracking. If you have asphalt roof tiles, check for any piles of grit in your gutters because they shield your roof from the sun’s damaging rays. Finally, check for any gaps or cracks; they can be fixed easily when in the beginning stages.

Seal It Up

Reseal everything from driveways to windowpanes. The freeze-thaw effect causes cracks and potholes on driveways as warmer weather comes along. Seal them quickly to avoid the high cost of repairing an entire driveway. In addition, look for any cracking in the caulk around your windows. This can help you avoid water damage, mold and mildew. Also, if you notice any staining on your ceilings, seal them with a primer or sealer and then repaint. This will help to save your ceilings and to improve the look of your home.

Preventative Measures For Next Winter

Ice dams are one of the leading causes of roof damage in the winter. Ice dams form when heat from the attic melts the snow on the roof, which later freezes in the evening. This causes water to be trapped between the tiles and can potentially create large cracks and decay. To prepare for next winter, make sure to keep attic temperatures cool and to rake snow off your roof. If ice dams are a significant problem for you, consider upgrading the insulation in the ceiling of your attic.

Routine maintenance of your driveway and roof will help keep costs down and will help to prevent future problems. Make springtime both a celebration and a time to dig your home out of any damage the winter season may have caused. If you find that winter was a little too rough on your home, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. Your local experts at Panhandle can help prevent further damage and take care of any problems quickly.