May to-do list

With the worst of winter weather behind us, it’s time to survey your home for damage that the cold and bluster could have left behind.

Months of near freezing temperatures, rain and wind can wreak havoc on homes. Give your home a quick inspection, so you’ll know what is in need of repair befo

re more serious problems develop.

Here are some high priority spots to check around your home.

Roof: Did winter storms lift up any of your roofing? Do you see signs of sagging? After doing a scan of the exterior, do a visual check of your ceilings, looking for signs of water damage.

Windows and screens: Look for signs of a window seal that has gone bad, such as a film from moisture that seeped in. Check screens for tears or holes.

Home foundation and drive: Check for cracks in your home’s foundation. Horizontal cracks in the foundation signal trouble, while vertical ones generally aren’t worrisome.

Basement: It was a long, wet winter and spring season. Inspect your basement to make sure none of that wet mess got in. A leaking pipe in your home could also be the culprit of dampness in the basement.

Gutters: Leaves, pine needles and other debris can clog up your gutters, which funnel rain off your roof and away from your home. Besides cleaning your gutters, make sure they’re firmly attached and positioned in the right direction.

Doors: Grab the WD-40. It’s time to lubricate the hinges, which have gathered dust and dirt over the winter. Don’t spare the lock, especially if you’ve had a tough time of turning the key. Spray the keyhole and bolt to ensure smooth operation and prevent breaking off a key in the lock.

Resources

Learn the basics of cleaning your home’s gutters: guttercleaningtips.com.

Need to replace your home’s roofing? Call State Roofing at 800-810-7305 or www.stateroofing.com.

For more on foundation cracks and basement dampness, go to www.rainydaybasementsystems.com.

For more tips on what to check around your home this spring, go to: tinyurl.com/3ou33fs.