Spring is right around the corner, and with that should come an annual inspection of your home. We all know how rough the winter snow and ice can be on the exterior of our homes. Now is the perfect time to take a walk around your home and inspect for critical areas in need of attention. Here are 6 areas of concern that you’ll want to be sure to check and possible issues to address:
Gutters
Debris can accumulate in your gutters and clog the downspouts. Since the water will not be able to drain properly, the gutter will fill up, which can lead to several problems:
- The excess weight of the water can cause the gutter to pull away from your home.
- The water will eventually overflow, saturate the foundation, and leak into the basement, thereby causing additional issues with flooding, damage, and more.
- Overflowing water can also flow back into your home’s overhang and cause rotting in the soffit and the rafters that hold up your roof.
Solution: We recommend investing in gutter coverings to help prevent and eliminate these problems. Omaha Door & Window can supply the solution to your gutter protection needs with the GutterLock Elite system.
Siding
Look for signs of rotting or warping. Make sure to look closely at areas near to the ground and places where siding was cut to notch around windows and doors as these areas tend to be most susceptible to rotting. Also inspect the trim around windows and doors for deterioration or caulking that has pulled away. Any of these issues can allow water, air, and bugs into the wall and can result in rotting of your substructure, higher energy bills, mold, and mildew.
Solution: Quality siding can eliminate these problems. Visit our website to learn more about how our vinyl siding products can solve for these issues while also making your home more energy efficient.
Windows
Inspect all aspects of your windows and the surrounding areas for signs of rotting or inefficiency. Here are a couple common issues to keep an eye out for and what they could mean on a larger scale:
- If the window sill is rotting, water will be able to flow through and into the wall cavity, which will lead to additional rot and mold build-up.
- If you have double pane glass and notice that there seems to be a film developing between the panes, it likely means that the seal is blown, and your energy efficiency is taking a hit.
Solution: We typically recommend an approach based on the situation and level of damage. If the window frame shows signs of rot or is not working the way you’d like, the team at Omaha Door & Window can do a full replacement of the window unit including the frame if need be. If there are issues with the glass but the window still operates well and seals tightly around the sashes, we are equipped to replace the glass only.
Doors
The change in temperature can cause your home to settle, which can directly impact the operation of entry and storm doors. When this happens, you will notice a few things:
- A visual gap in the areas where your door seals against the frame, allowing air to seep into your home.
- Difficulty physically opening and closing the door or not being able to close the door fully.
Solution: A member of our team would be happy to stop by and adjust your existing door to return it to good working order. If we find that adjusting the door will not solve the issue, we’ll give you a bid on a replacement.
Roofing
Check your roof for shingles that are missing or curling upwards. You can do this basic inspection from the ground, without getting on a ladder. Simply grab a pair of binoculars and stand back far enough to have an unobstructed view of the roof so that you can survey it in its entirety.
Solution: If you notice any issues or are unsure of your findings, it’s best to contact a professional to take a closer look. While we don’t offer roofing services here at Omaha Door & Window, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction as best we can.
Foundation
For blocked foundations, look for cracks in the blocks or in the mortar joints located between each block. Cracks in the foundation can form over time or when houses settle. Those cracks will fill with water, which will increase the size of the crack even more.
Solution: Caulking can be a temporary fix, but it’s best to call in a professional who specializes in foundation work to ensure a long-term solution is put into place.
If you have any concerns about your home’s gutters, entry doors, windows, or siding, contact Omaha Door & Window today to schedule a consultation. Our team of professionals will thoroughly examine the areas of concern and discuss next steps with you.