May is National Home Improvement Month: Celebrate By Using These Tips to Care for Your Home

While the May 1st snowstorm in the Twin Cities might make it appear like spring is dawdling, our calendar says it’s National Home Improvement Month.  May is traditionally the time when homeowners break out the rakes and hammers and wheelbarrows to dig into outdoor maintenance that’s been on hold since last fall.

Winter takes its tolls on Minneapolis area homes, so you might not know where to begin.  You may or may not be working from a plan of attack at your house, but whether your to-do intentions are few or many, here are six items that should go to the top of your list each May.  Working from the top down is the easiest – that way you won’t miss anything or make extra work for yourself in the process.

1. Start with the roof.  Either step across the street and visually inspect it using binoculars (safest), or if you can securely get a ladder in place, inspect up close.  Look for missing, curled, or damaged shingles as well as areas where shingles are missing the granular coating.  It’s a good idea to give it a look on a slightly windy day to see if any shingles are flapping or lifting from the wind.  Any of these items could mean a roof repair or replacement is needed; the best thing to do is to schedule a roof inspection.  Note:  Check the warranty for your roofing material – some roofing manufacturers require an annual inspection to keep the warranty in force. 
2. Wash your siding, using recommendations for your type of siding.  Wood, vinyl, steel, and fiber cement all have slightly different cleaning techniques.  A good cleaning will not only restore the appearance of your siding, it will give you a chance to inspect it up close for missing or loose sections.  In the event you choose to use a power washer, avoid trim and windows.  See our earlier post on cleaning tips for vinyl siding.
3. Check your gutters.  Early May is a good time to check your rain-handling system over before the heavy spring rain storms hit.  Check them both from above for debris clean-out, as well as from the ground for bent or damaged areas.  Run water from a hose through them to check for leaks.  Also run water through your downspouts to break up any clogs.  Debris such as leaves can accumulate in the downspouts over the winter, and a clog can mean water back-up in your gutters, which could lead to roof leaks and damage.  Also make sure your downspouts are all in place, and check the fit of any extensions to make sure they are secure.   Any leaks in your gutter or downspouts should be repaired.
4. Inspect all your windows.  Foggy patches or condensation between the window panes could mean you’ve got a failed seal that needs repair, or the window may need to be replaced.  Also check to make sure all windows open and close properly and easily.
5. Check the fit and function of your exterior entry doors.  Are they hard to open or close?  Do they stick?  Can you see light around the sides, top, or bottom?  Any one of these items may mean either your door needs adjustment or replacement.  Consult a door installation professional.
6. Check your exterior “extras” – that includes shutters, light fixtures, columns, trim, window boxes, etc.  Check for any deterioration or loose spots; repair as needed.

There – now it’s time to get on with the rest of your list!  If you check these six items each spring, you should be in good shape for the seasons ahead.  Giving your home’s exterior an annual inspection means you will most likely catch problems early enough to get them taken care of before they can lead to any damage.

Window Outfitters is a full-service exterior home remodeling company serving homes and businesses in the entire Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.  We specialize in energy-efficient, low-maintenance doors and windows, but we also offer siding, gutters, and other services. 

Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.