Housing...Inside and Out

May 29, 1998
Spring Home Maintenance

Now is the time that you should be inspecting your home for maintenance and repair needs.

Starting with the roof, the first thing your should inspect for is wind, snow or ice damage. Check to see that the roof shingles are secure, tightly fastened and in good condition. If any of the shingles are loose, repair with asphalt roofing cement. If they are damaged or missing, replacement will be necessary and may require professional help.

Inspect the flashing around the chimney, in valleys where roofing sections meet, and at intersections between a roof and vertical projections such as plumbing or fan vents, dormers and attached walls. Re-flash if the flashing has deteriorated.

If the flashing is in good condition, seal any leaks with a good grade of caulk such as butyl, or aluminized caulk or with asphalt roofing cement.

Next, inspect your masonry chimney for cracks and mortar missing around bricks or blocks. Any patching should be done using a dry mortar such as a stiff but working paste, or masonry cement compound.

Check the gutters and downspouts to be sure that they are securely anchored to the house. Also clean the gutters and downspouts of debris. Notice any areas that need repainting.

If the gutters are galvanized iron or steel, remove the rust with a wire brush, emery cloth and steel wool. Clean with naphtha or other degreasing cleanser and re-cover with paints and primers designed for these surfaces.

Check closely for holes or leaks in gutter troughs or gutter seams. If the leaks are minor, seal with roofing cement or with a good grade of caulk or sealant. Otherwise, replace the damaged section.

Also check to see that the splash blocks are in good repair. They need to be positioned to direct water at least three feet away from the foundation. If your splash blocks are broken or cracked, they should be replaced.

While outside inspecting your house, look also at any wood, asphalt and asbestos cement siding for damage such as nail pop, cracking, splitting, warping or decay. If warped, realign boards and screws. If the siding is split or damaged, replace the worn sections. If nails have pulled loose, reset the existing nails and add additional nails to secure.

Inspect the house exterior to see that paint is in good condition. If mildew is present, wash the surface with alkaline cleaning solution such as chlorine bleach. If paint is defective, remove the old paint, then apply a priming coat and repaint. If the paint has failed within two years of application, the cause of failure should be determined before repainting.

Inspect the masonry or brick walls for loose crumbling mortar joints. Repair any mortar immediately to prevent water from seeping through and damaging the walls.

Check all your exterior wood doors, garage doors, and window and door frames to see that paint or varnish is in good condition. If the paint is chipped or cracked, remove the defective paint. Then apply a priming coat and repaint. If framing members are cracked or rotting, determine the cause. Then replace and repaint the damaged areas.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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