As a homeowner, you want your home to stay beautiful and safe year after year. A major part of keeping your home in top shape is preparing it for changes in seasons. Spring weather brings lots of damp weather and fluctuating temperatures. Here are ten ways you can protect your home and get it ready it for spring showers.

Take a Walk- Checking the perimeters of your home will help you see any damage that might have occurred during winter weather. Bring with you a pen and paper to take note of any repairs that might be needed or damages you find.

Start Low and Work Up- Starting with the ground and the foundation of your home and working upward will help you make sure you don’t miss anything in between. So begin outside and work upward, then go inside and work upward. You might need to take several trips through your home, but you’re much less likely to overlook issues.

Inspect Ground and Install Compacted Soil As Needed- Spring weather is known for heavy periods of rain that can erode your foundation and landscape. Protect against water issues and foundational issues by installing compacted soil in problem areas of your yard and foundation. For foundation issues, it is often best to seek the help of a professional.

Concrete Inspection- Look for cracks or damage in your concrete foundations and areas around your home. Use silicone caulk or crack filler to seal up gaps or cracks in flat concrete surfaces. Speak to a professional about cracks in your foundation.

Also, check concrete pathways and patios near your home. Take a hose and watch to see where the water flows. Water should always flow away from your house. If you see water flowing toward your home, call an expert about repairing or grading the concrete areas around your home. Keeping water away from your home can help prevent foundation issues and water damage.

Repave Your Driveway- Asphalt expands and contracts during winter weather with fluctuating temperatures. This can cause significant cracks and potholes in your driveway. Repaving your drive in Spring is a great way to prevent future damage to your home and vehicle. You’ll also keep your curb appeal popping with a new pavement. It is best to repave in spring when temperatures are mild but cool.

Inspect Exterior Water Faucets- Frozen water in your pipes can damage outdoor spigots and interior pipes. Every spring you should inspect your water faucets. Turn the water on at medium flow. Place your finger or thumb underneath the faucet to block the flow. If you are able to block the water, then you probably have interior pipe damage that could cause serious water damage down the road.

Inspect Lawn Equipment- Before the grass starts to get out of hand, make sure you take a look at your landscaping tools. Clean mowers and inspect blades so they will be ready for your first trimming of the season.

HVAC Inspection and Service- As you switch from using heat to using air conditioning, have an expert come and service your HVAC unit. Cleaning the coils on your outdoor unit will improve efficiency and lower your utility bills. Use this time to clean out air ducts and change filters. You’ll have a fresh house and lengthen the life of your HVAC system.

Inspect Your Trim- Damaged wood trim outside your

home can create bigger issues in the integrity of your home. Carefully inspect wood trim on decks, railings, doors, and windows before spring rain can seep in. Wet wood can create rot or allow pests creep into your home. Replacing or repairing a chipped trim today could save you thousands of dollars tomorrow.

Examine Your Roof- Once again, spring showers could damage your home if you fail to inspect your roof early in the season. Before the rains start to pour down, be sure to thoroughly inspect your roof. Look for damage to shingles, like loose granules, buckling along the shingle, or cracks. Also, carefully check the flashing and surrounding vents, chimneys, plumbing and other entry areas of your home. If you find damage have a professional replace them or patch up gaps.

If you have more questions on how to care for your home or you are looking for a new home in the Anderson, SC, Greenville, SC, or Spartanburg, SC area, call the experts at Enchanted Construction Services. We have over 30 years of experience in home building. Call us today at 864-895-0601.