Critical Spring Cleaning Activities to Help Protect Your Home.

Spring is here and with that comes some critical activities every home owner should complete prior to the onset of spring showers. According to the professionals at Zeller Home Inspections, a division of Z&H Enterprises, in Lincoln, NE, these items are an essential part of every home inspection and if left unchecked can result in much larger issues, thus, adversely impacting the overall value of the home.

Clean/Repair Gutters

Gutter cleaning and maintenance is an important step that should not be overlooked for your spring projects.  Maintaining clean gutters or repairing damaged ones will ensure proper drainage and prevent gutters from overflowing or leaking.  It is also important to ensure that gutter extensions are properly installed to ensure water is directed away from the home.  Failure to maintain gutters and proper drainage may lead to water in the basement or possible foundation issues in the future.

Test your sump pump

While not all homes have sump pumps those that do should have the pumps periodically tested to ensure they operate properly. Spring is a great time to test these pumps, and replace them if needed, prior to the start of the rainy season.  It’s very easy to test your sump pump.  In most cases all you need to do is add water into the sump pit until the pump operates.  If you are able to fill the pit with water above the level of the sump pump float or if the pump does not evacuate the water from the pit after it is allowed to run for a short period of time, then repairs or servicing is needed.  In some cases, radon mitigation systems have been installed sealing the sump pits.  In these cases, the seal would need to be broken for testing and then resealed with silicone caulk by the homeowner to ensure proper operation of the radon system.

Clean up wood piles. 

If you have wood stored around the yard, whether left over from an old project or for a fireplace/fire pit, it is important to make sure that the wood is properly stored.  Wood in direct contact with the soil is an invitation to termites or carpenter ants, both of which can cause damage to property and structures. If you have scrap wood on your property that can be disposed of it would be wise to due so.  If the wood is for use in a firepit or fireplace it should be stored off the ground to prevent infestation.  These small steps can be taken to help reduce the risk of future issues.

If you need additional guidance on completing these important tasks, contact the professionals at Zeller Home Inspection, a division of Z&H Enterprises. They have over 25 years of experience conducting home inspections and are happy to assist. Call (402) 742-5806 to consult with one of their ASHI certified inspectors, and visit their website to learn more about their other services; termite inspections, radon testing, and radon mitigation.