Getting Ready for Spring

April showers may bring May flowers, but can also bring a lot of headaches for those that manage properties (and this list is also helpful for homeowners)! Here’s are a few things to think about as the warmer weather arrives:

Roof Inspection and Damage Repair: Look for broken or missing shingles and make repairs before further damage can be done. Performing maintenance on your roof as necessary will help the roof last its intended lifespan.

Gutters and Downspouts Inspection and Cleaning: The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to move water away from the building. Maintaining them on a regular basis can help prevent costly water damage. You can ensure gutters are able to perform their job by keeping them clean; remove dirt and debris from the gutters and downspouts. You should also make sure they remain tightly attached to the building. Tighten any gutter straps or spout extensions that may have come loose.

Façade Inspection and Damage Repair: Maintaining the façade will help protect the structure, remove safety hazards and reduce air/water infiltration. Inspect for leakage, stains, broken glass and cracks in stone panels. Common repairs include: concrete, caulking, architectural coatings, glass replacement, stone/recast/brick repairs or total re-cladding of the structures.

Light Inspection: Lighting maintenance is often overlooked. It is important to inspect street lights, outdoor light fixtures and indoor common area lighting for safety and security reasons. Make sure the lights are clean and void of any dust, dirt or salt. Dirty lights can result in lost energy and money. Think about replacing them with LED bulbs.

Deck and Porch Inspection: When inspecting a deck or porch look for peeling, splintering or rotting boards. All damaged boards will require repair or replacement. You can clean a deck or porch with soap and water to clear off any mildew. After the area is clean and dry, apply sealant, stain or paint. If left unprotected, wood will soak up moisture and could lead to very serious damage. A quick test is to drop some water on the deck/porch, if the water soaks into the wood rather than beading up, the deck needs to be sealed.

Storm Water Management Systems Inspection: It is imperative that a neighborhood’s storm water management system is well maintained. All storm water pipes, inlets, catch basins, manholes, discharge pipes, flumes, pond inflow and outfall structures should be inspected for structural deterioration and kept clean from any blockages. Any repairs or cleaning that is necessary should be done in a timely manner to reduce any possible damage. It is also important that surrounding vegetation be mowed and brush and tree branches be cleared to prevent future blockage.

Pavement Inspection: Repair cracks and potholes to prevent them from getting larger or hazardous. Whenever you have a crack or pot hole, look to determine the source of the issue. This will allow you to fix the root of the problem and hopefully prevent future cracks and pot holes. It is always best to make these repairs as quickly as possible to prevent any type of hazardous conditions.