Winter can be a challenging time for homeowners. The harsh winter storms and colder temperatures can take a toll on the exterior of your home, causing damage that needs to be addressed. During the spring thaw, a thorough home inspection on the exterior is a good idea so that you can identify any problems to prevent further damage and to ensure that your home is in good working condition.

In this article, we'll discuss why a thorough home inspection is essential during warmer months and what areas of your home to focus on during the inspection to identify potential problems.

 

Why Post-Winter Quality Home Inspections are Crucial

Post-winter home inspections are crucial to identify any damage that may have occurred during the winter months. Snow and ice can accumulate on your roof, gutters, and windows, causing damage that may go unnoticed. Water can seep into cracks and cause damage to your siding, windows, and doors. These issues can lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed, which can be costly to fix.

By inspecting your home's exterior after winter, you can identify any damage early and make repairs before they become more significant and expensive. This can help you save money in the long run and keep your home in top shape.

 

What Areas to Focus On During the Inspection

There are several areas of the home that you should focus on during the post-winter inspection. These include:

• Roof and Gutters:

  Your roof and gutters are two areas that can be particularly vulnerable during the winter months. Snow and ice can accumulate on your roof, causing it to sag or even collapse. If your gutters are clogged with debris or ice, they can create ice dams, overflow, and cause water damage to your home's exterior. During the roof inspection, check for any signs of damage, such as cracked or missing shingles, loose or damaged flashing, and rusted or corroded gutters. If you notice any of these issues, it's crucial to address them as soon as possible to prevent severe damage.

• Siding, Windows, and Doors:

  
  Winter weather can also cause damage to your home's siding, windows, and doors. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can cause cracks or holes in your siding, allowing water to seep in and cause damage to your home's interior. Windows and doors can also become damaged during the winter months, allowing cold air to come in causing drafts and cold spots which will lead to increased energy bills. During the inspection, check for any signs of damage to your siding, windows, window track, and doors. Look for cracks, holes, or gaps that may have formed in the cold weather months that can cause insulation issues or insulation failures. If you notice any damage, it's important to address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and improve your home's energy efficiency.

• Foundation:

  Your home's foundation is another area to focus on during the post-winter inspection. Excessive snow can cause the soil around your home to expand and contract, which can lead to foundation cracks and damage. During the inspection, look for any signs of foundation damage, such as cracks in the foundation walls or floors. If you notice any issues, it's crucial to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home's structure.

• Landscape:

  Winter weather can also take a toll on your home's landscape. Snow and ice can damage trees, shrubs, and other plants, and heavy snowfall or ice buildup can cause branches to break and fall onto your home. A great idea is to check for any signs of damage to your landscape, such as broken branches or damaged trees. If you notice any issues, it's important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage and improve your home's curb appeal for potential home buyers.

• HVAC Systems:

  During the winter months, the heating component of the HVAC system works hard to keep your home warm, while the air conditioning component remains idle. It's essential to check both components after the winter season to ensure they are in good condition and ready for the warm weather. Our best advice is to not cheap out and get a professional inspection. They will look at the heating system's components, such as the furnace, heat exchanger, burners, pilot light, water heater, thermostat, and ductwork, to make sure they are working safely and efficiently. They will also check the air-conditioning system's components, such as the compressor, evaporator coil, condenser, and refrigerant lines, for any damage or wear and tear. A home inspector will also check the air filters and ductwork for any clogs or damage, which can affect air quality and increase energy consumption.

Conclusion

A post-winter home inspection is essential to identify any damage that may have occurred during the winter months which can lead to a major problem down the road. By inspecting your home's exterior and identifying any issues early, you can prevent further damage and save yourself from costly repairs in the future.

J&M Gutter Tech's sister company J&M Total Home Improvement is ready to help with all of your home improvement needs. Please reach out and we will send one of our specialists out to inspect your home's exterior for free.