Now that the weather has finally turned the corner, we thought it would be a good time to share our spring home inspection checklist. It seemed like winter would never end, but spring has finally sprung. If you are like most home owners, you hunkered down for winter and have totally ignored the exterior of your home. After all, its much cozier inside by the fireplace, rather than trying to climb a ladder outside in the cold, wearing boots, mitts, and a parka. But that’s all behind us now, so you can head outside to enjoy the fresh air and take along our spring home inspection checklist.
Spring Home Inspection Checklist & Survey Tips
Window Inspection Tips
Call me bias, but the first item on my spring home inspection checklist is the windows. We can break this down into a number of inspection areas:
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- Caulking: Take a close look at the caulking around the window frame and below the window sill. Any sign of cracking or peeling could be an area of concern, and a place for water intrusion. You will need to address this pretty quick.
- Condensation:
If you have condensation forming along the lower edge of your windows, you more-than-likely have a ventilation issue that you need to address. Ignoring this issue will lead to mold or wood rot.
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- Condensation Between the Glass:
If you notice signs of condensation between the panes of insulated glass, the seals have failed. It’s time to call the windowrepairguy.
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- Mold or Mildew:
If you discover mold, the first step is a thorough cleaning. But don’t stop there, you need to find the root cause. The mold could be the result of a roof leak, clogged gutters, or an issue with the window itself such as poor caulking.
Gutter Cleaning & Repair Tips
Clogged and damaged gutters and downspouts can lead to more serious issues. It is imperative to keep gutters clear of debris. Early spring is a great time to take a thorough look at your gutters. If you have a lot of trees close to your home you should check the gutters every month, or better yet install gutter guards. Pay close attention to the seams and downspouts and look for any leaks. Be sure to install downspout splash guards to shed water away from your house.
Chimney Inspection
Take a close look at the flashing on your chimney. Loose or missing flashing is a magnet for water intrusion. You will have wood damage before you even realize that you have a leak.
Soffit Inspection
Look for any dark areas on the soffit wood. This is a tell-tale sign of water damage and wood rot. Take notice of the soffit vents as well. If the vents are clogged with debris this will reduce the attic ventilation.
Attic Inspection
Poke your head up inside your attic and look for signs of water leaks such as black insulation. Speaking of insulation, it’s a good time to check the thickness of the attic insulation to make sure it is up to par.
If you discover any window deficiencies after following our spring home inspection checklist, contact our support team at (815) 634-8922.