Shedding Your Home's Winter Status - Part II
Now that Spring has officially arrived, are you feeling the need to 'unbutton' that winter coat, and shed the winter status forced upon your home a few (long) months ago?
Here is Part 2 of our list of simple tasks to freshen your home and prepare for warmer days ahead. You can check out Part 1 of the list here: Shedding Your Home's Winter Status - Part 1
Shedding Your Home's Winter Status Checklist - Part 2
- Air Conditioning - This one is so important we put it on both lists! We want to make sure you've checked the disconnect box to ensure your fuse or breaker is set to the ON position. You'll be starting this appliance soon and will want to make sure it is energized at least 24 hours prior.
- Grading Review - Do a walk around of your home, twice, in opposite directions. Study the natural direction of water runoff. Are you seeing any signs of water buildup near the house. Water should always flow away from the home. Ideally, 1" of grading drop for each foot of distance moving away from the house.
- GFCI Testing of Exterior Electrical Outlets - Know where your reset buttons or breakers are located and test by pressing the test button or operating the breaker to ensure power is shut down when required. An inexpensive testor can be purchased from any hardware store that makes this task easy, but confirming.
- Painting Review - Study your siding and trim for signs of deterioration from winter's attack on your home. Composition Board siding is the most vulnerable and should not be neglected. Carefully check those areas closest to the ground.
- Roof Review - As you do your walk around, study the roof and visible flashing for signs of snow and ice damage to the shingle or siding. Also, wind damage. Any suspicions? Call a local roofer and ask for a free estimate.
- Tree Triming - Trees need to be kept healthy and maintained to provide the shade and the 'look' we desire. Take time to study your trees to make sure they are not touching the roof or the siding. Budget for removing all dead branches, and the trees themselves if necessary.
