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Recovering from Winter

With the total amount of snow this season above a staggering 37 inches, it’s no doubt that many homes are succumbing to the hazards of winter weather. With spring on its way, it’s time to survey the damage your home might have suffered over the past three months. Snow, ice, and the freezing and thawing process can put an incredible amount of pressure on your home.

We’ve put together some of the common household repairs needed after winter has ended in order to keep your home in tip-top shape!

  1. Gut your gutters – Many gutters and downspouts will be clogged with debris and ice dams after strong storms. Before the first heavy rainfall of 7spring, it’s important to pull out that ladder and remove any blockages that could hinder your water drainage system.
  2. Raise the roof. Not literally – Find the safest way to inspect your roof for any loose shingles or broken metal that could result in leaks in the future. Make sure to survey the parts of the roof that intersect with dormers or the chimney, as holes are likely to form in these areas. If a leak from a hole has already stained a part of your sealing, use a primer/sealer to cover the stain and then touch up the paint. It’ll be good as new!
  3. Become a resealing rock star! Water can seep into small cracks in your drive way, and through freezing and thawing can start to expand those cracks into a larger issue. Use a crack sealer to seal up those small spots before you go over the entire driveway. Another resealing project is your deck. Every couple of years it’s smart to invest the time to reseal the wood on your deck to keep it looking brand new!
  4. Survey your siding – Take a walk around your home, taking extra care to check where two walls come together. If there are any holes in your siding, use paintable caulk to protect your home from the spring showers sure to come.
  5. Fix your foundation – This is a big one. Pipes can freeze and burst in the cold temperatures, causing permanent water damage to your foundation. Signs of a compromised foundation include dry rot and mold in your basement. This is no easy fix, call a professional!

Don’t worry – most of these projects are simple maintenance that help extend the life of your home. If anything major comes up, we have your back with a variety of home equity loans and lines of credit that can help get you out of a pickle. Now let’s all cross our fingers that spring arrives quickly!