Winter has arrived!
With winter arriving just before Christmas, along with its arrival come signs of distress on your home. The following components feel stress just like the dreariness you feel with the grey of the season. The foundation, roof, attic, plumbing, concrete pads/porches, and chimneys, all take a pretty good beating throughout this time of year.
Your homes foundation, the base of your family structure takes on the brunt of the season regularly. There is not much you can do right now but, it is a good time to take notes for spring. Walk around the perimeter of your home and take note of any cracking in the foundation. Whether your home has a poured or concrete block foundation or, if it lies on a crawlspace. Look to see if there are cracks in the concrete itself, and see if there are cracks in the mortar joints of the block. There are numerous reasons as to why there are cracks but, they need to be looked after and determine the cause. Root systems, frost/heaving, poorly constructed, and water direction. If anything greater than a hairline crack is noted call in the pros. If the crack is a small hairline crack, purchase some concrete caulk/patch. Fix the area and watch to see if it reappears. If the crack widens and needs further repair, call in the pros.
Your roof takes a huge beating in the winter. Even this year with little or no snow, when a roof endures freeze/thaw cycles this can cause greater damage. Heavy rain can leach behind cracks and crevices between flashings at roof/wall intersections. This can cause the flashing to separate and damage between the surfaces. Flashings are generally placed between areas of vulnerability. Such as chimney/roof intersections, plumbing vents/roof, and roof/wall connections. On a dry winter/spring day safely from the roofs edge with binoculars perhaps. Take a look at these important areas to check for deterioration in flashings and caulking. If water penetrates these important areas, it can cause great damage to your roof sheathing (plywood) or behind the wall coverings (brick, siding, stucco). If damage is apparent, determine if it is a simple fix or a job for the pro.
Check your plumbing system while walking around your exterior as well. Make sure garden hoses are disconnected and exterior water lines have been shut off and drained properly. Inside your home, walk in your unfinished basement (if unfinished of course) check all of the connections that are visible. Copper or plastic fittings should be snug and secure. If any leakage at the joint is noted it would be wise to call in the pro for the fix.
Concrete porches, patios, walkways and driveways all endure a great amount of stress in the winter months. The ground below all of these components freezes. This year the ground also thaws with the warm spells. This creates havoc with your concrete/asphalt drives or walkways. Cracking is the result of the freeze/thaw cycles. This means patching in the springtime when the ugly crack is more prevalent. To reduce the chance of cracking relief cuts should be made in concrete pads after they cure and dry. This will reduce the chance of cracking over the long term. Cracks that have already appeared need to be patched a.s.a.p. this will alleviate any chance of the cracks becoming larger. Use a concrete/asphalt patch to discourage any further damage.
Lastly, here is Binder’s piece of knowledge free of charge! Chimneys should be swept after the fireplace burning season. That way, the chimney is ready for next season. Stock up on firewood, it needs to cure/dry at least 6 months prior to the next season. Finally, drain off that pool cover/pool (pools with safety covers) and add some chlorine if the sun is finally appearing. Get ready for spring…tune up the lawnmower…check to see if the beer fridge still works. Sit back and enjoy your home!
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