April showers bring May flowers…and home maintenance. Here’s a reminder of what you can do now to stop water damage.

With spring in the air, now’s the time to step outside and assess your home after a long winter. Snowmelt and rainy days are just around the corner, so don’t wait—checking a few key areas now could save you from expensive water damage later. Start with these five spring maintenance tips to keep your home protected.

5 Spring Home Maintenance Tips to Stop Water Damage

1. Check for Slope Grading

Check the grade (slant of the earth) around your house to make sure that water will runaway from your house instead of toward it. If it’s soaking into your house instead of your garden, consult a landscape contractor on how to fix the drainage pattern.

2. Examine the Siding and Foundation

Examine your siding for cracking, blistering, or fading—all signs that your siding needs refinishing. Also check joints where windows, doors, and decks meet. Make sure there are no places for water to enter. Remember: windblown rain can enter through small holes and cause big leaks.

While you’re at it, look lower—inspect your foundation for any cracks or signs of water staining. Inside the basement, walk along the walls and floors, watching for hairline cracks, musty smells, or discoloration. These can be early indicators of water seepage. Catching these issues early can save you from bigger repairs down the road.

3. Check Gutters For Debris

Check your gutters for leaves, twigs, and other debris. Pour some water through the downspouts to determine if they are clear and if they’re draining far enough away so the water will not flow back into your house.

4. Inspect Your Roof

In Minnesota, a typical roof will last approximately 20 years. If the age of your roof is fifteen years or more, have the roof checked to ensure it is in good shape? If your roof is more than 20 years old, get ready to replace it before it starts leaking. Inspect your roof for cupped, broken, chipped, or missing shingles. Pay special attention to openings through the roof, which typically are the first places you will see leaking. Look for discoloration on both the interior and exterior of the roof.

5. Examine Your Deck Structure

Examine the joint where the deck meets the house to see if there are water stains and caulk any open joints. Check the structure for cracks, and look for rot on the board ends, post bottoms, and decking. Then move to the base and check the concrete footing tops for degradation. Finally, clean and seal or paint your deck.  Applications typically last two years. Letting your deck weather can accelerate the UV rays that shorten the life of your deck.

These spring home maintenance tips are especially important to stop water damage and keep your home in top shape all season long. If you find any questionable areas, here’s what to do:

• If you like to do the work yourself and have questions, talk to the staff at your local hardware store. Many have expertise in the quirks and personalities of homes in your neighborhood and can give you great tips and guidance.
• If you’re not a DIY type, ask your neighbors to recommend “handypeople” in your area.
• Call us! We’re always happy to answer your questions and provide referrals. You can give John a call at 612-861-0188 or fill out our contact us form.