Spring Cleaning
Opening windows to let in fresh air, removing dust from ceiling fans, eaves and from behind furniture, cleaning out the mudroom and storing away winter gear; these are all done during spring cleaning. While a homeowner’s thoughts may turn next to landscaping, gardening and flower beds, it’s important not to forget the home’s exterior. Check for and prevent damage after the long winter and spring clean the home’s exterior as well.
SOFTENING WOOD
Roof eaves and soffits, wooden fencing and lattice work over a crawl space can all be affected by piles of snow, or excess water. Over time, paint may begin to crack or peel and the wood may begin to soften or rot.
As part of the normal spring home maintenance, check these areas for signs of water damage, or impending damage. Scrape and repaint cracked and peeling paint to protect the wood beneath, and replace any rotting or softened areas before the damage spreads.
HAZARDOUS DECK
Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, call Seashore Construction to investigate.
Rid your deck of moss and mold. Pressure washers are effective. Remember, if you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking.
LEAKY ROOF
Leaks typically occur around an inadequately flashed chimney, skylight, or other opening. They’re easiest to spot in the attic; inspect the rafters for water stains. Patching leaks is best left to a professional. While the contractor is on the roof, have him clean leaves from roof valleys.
Examine the siding under roof eaves, and the ceilings in the rooms below, for water or discoloration, indications that ice dams might have created leaks along the roof edge.
Inspect the roof for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Asphalt shingles typically last 30 to 50 years.
MOLD & EFFLORESCENCE
Discoloration, generally white in color, may develop on your stucco, brick or stacked stone surfaces. This is known as efflorescence, and is basically just salt that is deposited on the surface through a natural chemical process. Although efflorescence changes the appearance of the surface, it is not structurally damaging or harmful to the masonry.
To remove efflorescence, mix warm water with a bit of vinegar, then scrub the area with a stiff brush. If this does not work, you can purchase special cleaning products from your local hardware store. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s product information to ensure that you do not use any harmful substances on these surfaces, as damage will not be covered by warranty.
Staining may also occur on exterior surfaces as a result of dirt that is splashed up when water hits the ground. If you notice this type of staining, we suggest hiring a professional company to clean it. Installing gutters can help prevent a future occurrence, as gutters direct rainwater to specific locations.
Besides efflorescence and staining, mold can also form on your exterior surfaces. Minor occurrences of mold should be cleaned using products designed specifically for cleaning mold. After you’ve cleaned your exterior surfaces, you may notice a slight variation in color. Before you use any product on your home, you should always test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that there will not be any significant change to the finish. Also, before beginning any touch-up project, make sure that you are prepared to refinish the entire area for uniformity if it becomes necessary.
Below you’ll find a video with a few extra tips.
