Checking the external elements for damage

Now that Winter has passed and Spring is beginning to bloom, it’s an ideal time to check your home for any damage that may have been caused over the Winter period.

This will include;

• Roof
• Walls
• Drains and gutters
• Trees and plants

There are other areas that will need to be checked but these are the main ones to get you started…

Roof

Look for anything that looks unusual or out of line. Slates or tiles on the roof? Follow the rows of them both vertically and horizontally along and you’ll get an idea of where the next ones should be, if they look out of place then it might be worth getting someone out to check. Little things like this that if caught early could mean that you are able to extend the lifespan of the structure and stop future problems before the begin. It can also save you money in the long run. A few repairs may be needed along the way but that will be much cheaper than having a roof replaced.

Walls

Look for signs of cracking. As the temperature goes from hot to cold, it can cause the walls to expand and shrink which can cause cracking. This could lead to water being able to access the inner surface of the walls if left unattended for a while and again, will benefit from maintenance rather than repairing the damage to the inside and outside. If possible, you should also check cladding to make sure that it is still attached correctly to the wall as it can warp and twist with the differences in temperature. Again, as above, if it looks odd or wrong, contact someone for help!

Drains and Gutters

This is how the water is taken away from the property and you should check them to make sure that there are no blockages in the runs. Moss, leaves and twigs are common causes for blockages in the guttering leading to water spilling out over the sides. This can cause problems to other areas if it is not seen to. You should also check to see if the gutters are aligned correctly. With this, if it doesn’t look like the water can flow to a downpipe, it more than likely can’t or if you have noticed leaks or overflowing then you should aim to get it fixed sooner rather than later.

Trees and Plants

This might seem like an odd one to watch out for but if there is a large tree lingering overhead, a storm could be able to break a branch off which can cause major damage to the house, your car or worse, to you. Making sure that trees and plants are maintained will help to prevent problems occurring with these in the future.

When it comes to checking over the property a good way to approach it is;

If it doesn’t look right then the chances are there’s something wrong!

Checking the property after the winter means that if there are any issues then you could potentially get them resolved in the warmer, (supposedly dryer) spring and summer months so that the property is ready to face the next Autumn and Winter in its best condition. Plus, you have the added bonus of a little time spent looking after the property now could save you time and money in the future.

Some of the things mentioned above could require a professional to repair them and if you feel unsure about any of it then you should contact one to see if they can assist you.