Post-Winter Property Inspection Checklist
With the snow and freezing temperatures behind us, it is time to assess any damage that your home and property may have incurred over the winter months. The following is a spring checklist to inspect your home or business to determine if there is any damage that needs to be addressed.
Gutters. Snow and ice can damage gutters, preventing water from running through properly. This damage can cause the springtime rainwater to build-up around the building, leading to flooding indoors.
Roof. It is important to inspect the roof for any damaged, missing or lifted shingles. Addressing these problems now can head off any problems that a leaky roof can cause inside the property, including flooding and mold.
Attic. As the weather warms, check the attic for any signs of mold or mildew forming. These areas can have a high humidity level, making these optimal conditions for this growth.
Vinyl siding. Just like roof shingles, a loose piece of siding can lead to big problems during the winter. Take the warmer weather as an opportunity to inspect the exterior of the building, checking for loose or missing siding.
Pipes. Frozen pipes can be a big problem during the winter, but very small cracks and leaks may go unnoticed. Doing a visual inspection of the home’s pipes, checking for any leaks can prevent this from becoming an even bigger problem. This is especially important with your exterior water spigots. When you turn them on for the first time in the spring, make sure to monitor for flooding in your basement.
Basement. During the winter months, humidity levels are typically lower. Springtime not only brings warmer weather but also increased humidity. The basement can quickly become a breeding ground for mold as a result. Check humidity levels and set up a dehumidifier to regulate this.
Boiler and Furnace. Spring is a good time to visually inspect the boiler and furnace, checking for any leaks around the area that may indicate that the unit needs to be serviced.
Walkways and steps. The winter months may cause cracks or damage to the property’s walkways and steps that should be corrected. Be sure to also make sure that any outdoor railings remain secure and stable.
Foundation. A quick visual inspection of the foundation of the home now that all of the snow has melted will show any cracks in the foundation that need to be filled. If left unattended, moisture can leak into the home through these cracks.
Yard. As the snow melts and the spring rains arrive, check the yard for any standing water. This could indicate that you have drainage problems that need to be addressed, particularly if the standing water is close to the building.
Taking the time now to visually inspect the property will ensure that any winter damage is addressed before it can become a problem. If you do have flooding, mold or other damage in the home, Soil-Away has teams on call 24/7 to help. Contact Soil-Away at 603-641-6555.
