Warmer temperatures and longer days are on their way and spring is a perfect time to get your routine home maintenance tasks completed and keep your basement dry. Here is a list of 5 tips that can help you identify problem areas caused by winter weather:
1.) ROOF AND GUTTERS
Winter, with all that ice and snow, can be hard on your roof. First, clear your roof and gutters of all debris that built up over the cold months. Once that’s done, you can check for cracked or missing shingles and any shingle shift. Fixing these issue may mean just replacing a few shingles or fasteners. If you’re not sure, call a professional for help. Overall, regular gutter maintenance and downspout inspection can also help prevent future foundation issues.
2.) FOUNDATION
After the winter months, you should inspect your home for foundation problems. Cracks in your foundation, even small ones, can lead to major structural problems if left unrepaired. If you see bricks cracking, bowing walls or gaps in window sills, it’s time to call a professional.
3.) CHIMNEY
Take a look at the exterior of your chimney for signs of damage, especially in the joints between bricks or stones. A white calcium-like deposit is a sign your joints are absorbing water, instead of repelling it. It might be time to re-seal. If your chimney is tilting or leaning that indicates a failing foundation and you will need to consult a foundation repair expert, like Toledo Basement Repair.
4.) BASEMENT OR CRAWLSPACE
Spring is usually a rainy season which makes it an excellent time to check your basement or crawlspace for water damage. Common signs of water leaks include: mold or moisture damage, musty odors, condensation on A/C ductwork, insulation or pipes, buckled hardwood floors and rotting in floor joists. Is your basement leaking? Call Toledo Basement Repair today.
5.) LANDSCAPING
Trimming tree branches back about 5-7 feet away from house helps keep moisture away from roof and siding plus it keeps out unwanted visitors, like squirrels and raccoons. Did you know trees and their roots can affect your home’s foundation? Pay special attention to the species of trees, distance of the trees to your home and if the trees existed before your home was built. Check the direction of your sprinklers and irrigation systems, too. Water sprayed toward or against your foundation may cause flooding in your basement or crawlspace.
By examining your home and addressing issues in a timely manner, you can prevent larger, more expensive repairs in the future. We recommend inspecting twice a year, in the fall and spring, to keep your home in top condition.
DID YOU FIND A PROBLEM?
Toledo Basement Repair offers interior or exterior waterproofing estimates to help you find the best solution and create a healthier home for your family. Contact us TODAY.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.
