This winter has been anything but mild for New Jersey and our surrounding areas. The cold weather has definitely stuck around longer than expected and February’s New Jersey snowfall totaled 27 inches with 13 of those inches falling between February 11th and the 18th! With weather like this, it was no surprise that Mr. Punxsutawney Phil happened to see his shadow on Ground Hogs Day.
However, there is some good news for our New Jersey and east coast residents! Spring 2014 (Vernal Equinox) officially started last Friday, March 20th! This means that sunshine and warm weather will be here before we know it. This also means that it’s time for homeowners to perform an annual check-up on their home’s condition before April’s showers arrive. This weekend, get outside and do a walk-around of your property. Here’s what to look for…
1. Gutter Cleaning* – You always want to ensure your gutters are clear of foliage build-up, especially if you live in a highly wooded area. Clogs in your gutter trap moisture, leading to the build-up of mold and mildew. Make sure your home’s downspouts are pointing 2 to 2-1/2 feet away from foundation walls.
2. Roof – Make sure your shingles have not shifted and are free of nail-pops (when the nail pushes the tabs of a shingle up). We wouldn’t want anyone to climb up on the roof and risk injury, so we suggest using a pair of binoculars to see if there is any damage. Checking on the state of your roof’s shingles is an important line of defense against leaks before those spring showers arrive!
3. Exterior Walls – What material is the side of your house made of? No matter if it’s stucco, brick or wood, there are a few things to check. If stains are present, especially under eaves or near gutter downspouts, it is a clear warning that your gutter system is not functioning properly. If this is the case, call Ned Stevens immediately. Also, make sure to inspect the paint on your home’s walls for cracks and/or chips, as either mark can lead to rotting. Reseal any problem areas with a fresh coat of paint.
4. Foundation* – Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning® is all about protecting your home from leaks with proper gutter maintenance and service. However, you must also check your home’s foundation for any cracks that have formed over the winter. Examine the perimeter of your home and if you find a crack, hire a specialist to fill it with a two-part epoxy injection system.
5. Attics – Make sure your attic is critter free! If you have been harboring an unwanted pet this winter, call an exterminator and check your roofline for holes. Be sure to also inspect your attic for mold. If your attic is lacking good ventilation and proper insulation, ice damming may have been the cause for unwanted fungus growth.
6. Basements* – Head down to the basement with a flashlight and check for cracks in your home’s walls. Start at the top and work your eyes down, as cracks form from the top-down, allowing moisture to collect at the bottom of the fissures. If you discover unwanted cracks, head outside and make sure your downspouts and gutters are clog free and in working order.
7. Chimney – Make sure your chimney is in working order for next winter! Examine the exterior of your chimney and make sure there are no signs of damage. Signs of vegetation growing in the cracks of masonry joints could be an indication of water infiltration. Clean flukes and have your chimney inspected by a specialist.
8. Grills – It’s time to fire up your barbecue! Before you light the ignition, check your burners for clogs and make sure the gas hose is securely connected and leak-free. If you use a charcoal grill, make sure it is cleared of ash and grease residue. This will prolong the life and safety of your grill.
9. Lawn* – Now that the snow has finally melted, it’s time to clean up forgotten debris. Just like you, your lawn needs to breathe and unwanted leaves, sticks, and twigs can suffocate your grass. Cold weather months have also compressed your soil and may have changed your pH levels, increasing your lawns chances of growing more weeds. In order to combat this problem, properly fertilize your lawn prior to spring showers. Also, if your lawn possesses low-lying areas, fill these areas with compacted soil to reduce run-off and prevent your yard from flooding.
10. Windows – Have you noticed condensation forming on the inside of your windows during the winter months? If so, there may be a leak in the weather seal surrounding the glass in your window or a crack in the window itself. Carefully inspect the edges on the inside and outside or your windows and seal any problem areas. You were able to keep out the cold, but you wouldn’t want your A/C to leak out when it gets warmer.
*For homeowners in Fairfield, NJ, starred home maintenance tips may become especially important this spring season. Flood expert, Charlie Bush, notes that low-lying areas often experience flooding from the Passaic River. If the weather warms up fast enough, snowmelt will saturate the ground and new precipitation will have nowhere to go. For now though, the cold weather has made the ground dry enough that it will absorb most run-off. Read more here…
Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning® can help with many of these home maintenance issues. With nearly 60 years of experience in the industry and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, we are here to protect your home from water damage. Visit us at nedstevens.com or call us at 800.542.0267.
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