Drought or no drought, winter fades away at some point, and spring begins to show us a different side of the world around us. Springtime also brings outdoor home repair and maintenance jobs. There are a variety of things that every homeowner should do to prepare for the coming warmer season, but here are a few highlights to kick off your outdoor home maintenance projects this year. Take a walk around the exterior of your home, and pay close attention to the following items:
Roofing – Check for any damage to shingles or tiles due to the heavy winds we’ve experienced this season, or for any other damage that you might see around vents, chimneys, or skylights.
Gutters – Be sure that your gutters are firmly in place and that all of the downspouts are unobstructed and moving water away from your home’s slab. This is a very important part of avoiding foundation damage. (For other tips, read more HERE.)
Window Screens – Inspect your screens for damage and make any necessary repairs. Give your screens a good cleaning, too.
Siding/Paint – Has there been any damage to your siding or is your paint in need of repair? Look for cracks or holes, and repair any that you find.
Fences/Gates – Check for damaged slats or broken posts. Repair those as necessary, and replace any hinges or gate latches that are rusted and not securing your property properly.
Pests – Spring is the season for termite swarms so it is always a good idea to request a termite inspection from a qualified Houston pest control company. Also check for signs of rodents because they will be extra hungry after reproducing during the winter. And consider having a professional evaluation if you see any problem areas.
Ponding Water/Erosion – Inspect your yard for any areas where erosion of your soil might have occurred from water ponding and subsequent drying out this winter. Drainage problems can be a significant problem for your home’s foundation, so this is a particularly important part of your visual inspection.
Garden Beds – Most homeowners like to start with the garden, and there is no doubt that a large part of springtime projects involve the garden. As you do, pay particular attention to the height of your garden beds in relation to the slab of your home. This is a critical factor in protecting your foundation. (Read more tips HERE.)
Foundation – Finally, check the exterior of your home for visible cracks in your brick or your slab. Check window frames that might have shifted, collateral damage to your foundation due to water drainage around air conditioning units, etc. Often, easy adjustments can be made to help protect your foundation, but you cannot fix a problem if you are not aware of it. Dawson Foundation offers a free 5-Point Inspection, and if you are unsure of the condition of your home’s slab, we will be happy to help you with this step.
Dawson Foundation Repair installs only Bell Bottom Piers for homeowners and commercial property owners. Bell Bottom Piers have far more advantages over any other method of foundation repair and we feel the homeowner should receive the best option available. Dawson Foundation Repair services homes and commercial businesses all over Texas including Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and other smaller cities. Call us for a free inspection and assessment of your home’s foundation security.