Spring Home Maintenance Checklist For Michigan Homeowners: 5 Key Tasks After a Harsh Winter
Michigan winters can be particularly tough on homes, with cold temperatures, heavy snowfall, and the constant threat of ice buildup. These conditions can lead to a variety of issues, such as sagging roofs, leaks, and drainage problems caused by ice dams. Additionally, the biting wind chill associated with the season increases the risk of damage to both the interior and exterior of homes.
For that reason, it’s crucial for those in the Ann Arbor area to address winter-related concerns before they snowball (pun intended). To make it as easy as possible, we’ve put together a spring home maintenance checklist specifically for Michigan residents.
5 Tasks to Add to Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
1. Inspect Your Foundation
During Michigan winters, freeze-thaw cycles can significantly impact your home’s foundation, causing cracks, settling, or shifting.
When it rains, water seeps into the cracks in your foundation. Then, it freezes, expanding and putting pressure on the foundation, which can potentially worsen these cracks over time. It’s essential to inspect both the exterior and interior of your foundation for any visible cracks, particularly those that appear to widen as the weather warms up.
And speaking of warming up, the spring thaw brings another concern: water damage. Melting snow and ice can lead to moisture infiltration, which may cause your foundation to weaken or lead to mold growth in your basement or crawl space. Check for water stains, dampness, or unusual odors, particularly in areas where moisture may have accumulated during the winter months.
To do:
- Check the interior and exterior of your foundation for cracks. If you find one, monitor whether it grows as the weather warms up.
- Check for signs of water damage. Look for water stains, dampness, and unusual odors.
2. Check for Drainage Issues
Proper water drainage helps prevent long-term damage to your home’s foundation. During Michigan winters, ice and debris can accumulate in your gutters, causing blockages that prevent water from flowing properly. When there’s an overflow, water will run down the sides of your house and pool near the foundation, potentially causing moisture damage—an expensive problem.
To check for drainage issues, start by assessing the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear, securely attached, and directing water away from your home.
Next, inspect the grading around your foundation. If you notice any low spots or areas where water might pool, you may need to regrade the soil. The ground should slope away from the house, allowing water to flow away from the foundation rather than toward it. Over time, the ground can settle or erode, causing areas where water may collect around the foundation.
Finally, check for pooling water around the foundation or in the basement, especially after a spring rain or thaw. If you find standing water in your basement, it could indicate a need for additional drainage solutions, such as French drains or sump pumps, to prevent flooding and long-term water damage.
To do:
- Assess the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Ensure they are clear of blockages, securely attached to your house, and directing water away from (not toward) the building.
- Inspect the grading around your foundation. Look for low spots where water could pool and ensure the ground slopes away from your home.
- Check for pooling water around the foundation and inside your basement. Pooling water is an indicator of a grading issue. If you think you need to regrade, give us a call (734-994-4644).
3. Inspect Exterior Walls and Doors
During Michigan winters, materials expand and contract due to repeated freezing and thawing. In some cases, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause damage to the exterior of your home, particularly to doors, door frames, and paneling.
To assess whether your home has been affected, walk around the exterior and examine the walls for signs of damage, such as cracks, peeling paint, and warped panels. These issues not only affect your home’s insulation but can also lead to water damage or pest intrusion if left unaddressed.
Pay close attention to areas around doors and windows, where seals and caulking may have deteriorated over the winter. In some cases, missing flashing can leave caulking as the only line of defense against moisture, leading to leaks and water damage over time. Fortunately, replacing cracked caulking or adding new weather stripping is an affordable way to make your home more energy-efficient and prevent larger problems down the line.
Also, check that doors open and close smoothly. Note whether there are any warped frames or misaligned hinges. These are signs of structural movement, so it may be worth consulting a professional to assess whether more serious issues are developing if you notice them.
To do:
- Examine the exterior walls of your home. Look for cracks in siding or masonry, peeling paint, warped panels, or any gaps where cold air and moisture can seep inside.
- Check your doors and windows for signs of deterioration. Look for worn-down weather stripping and cracked caulking.
- Ensure your doors open and close smoothly. Shifting and settling during the winter months can cause warped door frames and misaligned hinges.
4. Evaluate the Roof and Chimney
Your roof takes the brunt of Michigan’s winter weather—snow, ice, wind, and fluctuating temperatures all cause wear and tear. That said, assessing the state of your roof should be a part of every Michigander’s spring home maintenance checklist. Visually inspect your roof, looking for signs of compromised materials, such as curling, missing, or damaged shingles. Pay particular attention to spots where ice dams may have formed, as these can lead to leaks and water damage under the shingles.
Next, check the flashing around your chimney, vents, and any skylights. Flashing is essential for preventing water damage, so if you experienced leaks during the winter, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your flashing more closely.
Finally, inspect the chimney itself. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause bricks and mortar joints to crack or crumble, leading to structural instability or water infiltration. Check for efflorescence (a white or gray powdery substance that appears on concrete), spalling (flaking or crumbling brick), or leaning. These can all indicate that repairs are needed to maintain the integrity and safety of the chimney.
To do:
- Inspect your roof from the ground (or a ladder, if you’re comfortable with that). Look for damaged or missing shingles, sagging areas, and signs of granule loss.
- Check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Damaged flashing allows water to seep through the roof deck and into your home, potentially causing water damage.
- Assess the state of your chimney. Check for efflorescence, spalling, and leaning.
5. Assess Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios
Concrete and asphalt surfaces are prone to cracking, shifting, and surface deterioration during Michigan winters. That’s why, come spring, it’s important to inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio for new or worsening cracks, pitting, or uneven surfaces that could lead to further damage if left unaddressed.
Also, check for pooling water, which can indicate drainage issues or low spots created by winter ground movement. Over time, standing water can erode materials and cause further settling, especially around the edges of patios or walkways.
If you notice significant cracking or uneven sections in any of these areas, it may be time to consider resurfacing, sealing, or even replacing affected areas. Early maintenance can extend the life of these surfaces and help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future. For minor issues, patching or sealing cracks can be a quick and effective solution to prevent water from getting in and causing additional damage next winter.
To do:
- Inspect your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Look for tripping hazards such as large cracks, pitting, and uneven surfaces.
- Check for pooling water around your driveway, sidewalks, and patio. Pooling water can be caused by inadequate drainage, poor soil conditions, and the presence of impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt.
When in Doubt, Call MBK Constructors
Cracks, bowing, pooling water, and other signs of settling and shifting can become costly problems if they’re not addressed in a timely manner. If you complete our spring home maintenance checklist and notice any of the signs of damage we mentioned, a professional inspection is the next best step.
