Weather Preparedness: How Does Your Home Stack Up?

Finally! Spring is breaking out in the north.  As beautiful as things will soon be, now is the time to make sure your home is prepared for all weather.  Here are some steps to weather preparedness from the Pros at All Pro Xteriors!

Leaks in the roof show up in different spots in your home.  To spot them, look for leaks along the chimney and pipes.  Check ceilings and outside walls for discoloration due to water damage.  Save yourself a trip to the roof; Call All Pro Xteriors, and we will carry out your home’s roof inspection at no cost to you.

Ice dams gutters and drains during the winter.  After the defrost, inspect to make sure gutters are still attached and clear of debris so they can drain.  Pour a small amount of water down the downspouts to make sure the water drains and is directed away from the home.  You may need to reposition downspouts to move water away from your home’s foundation.

Look over and listen to your sump pump.  When there is extra groundwater, common in Spring, the pump should turn itself on, pump out the water, and then turn itself off.  Once you listen to this sequence, remove the cover and look inside the sump pit.  If the water is low, it is probably a good sign that the pump is doing its job.  Check for obstructions like debris in the pit around the sump pump.  Look for external damage on the pump itself.  Check that the outlet pipe carrying water out of your home is free of blockage and that the check valve works property. Before you finish, pour a bucket of water, 5 gallon bucket, slowly into the sump pit.  If the pump doesn’t turn on before the level reaches the basement floor, all a pro for help.  Then clean the sump pump to make sure it does not slow down from mud trapped in it.  The life span of sump pumps is from 5 to 10 years depending on how much work it needs to perform to keep water out of your home.

If you have any questions about how to handle any of these tasks, call (952) 486-7834  or visit All Pro Xteriors