Get Your Home Rain-Ready For Spring

Essential Tips For A Leak-Free Season

Spring showers bring fresh blooms, but they can also bring trouble if your home isn’t ready for the season’s heavy rains. From roof leaks to drafts, unchecked wear and tear on your home’s exterior can lead to costly damage. Here’s how to inspect your home’s key components—roof, windows, doors, and siding—to ensure they’re in top shape before the rain starts falling.

1. Inspect Your Roof For Damage

Your roof is your first line of defense against heavy rain. Over time, weather exposure can cause asphalt roof shingles to loosen, crack, or go missing altogether. Look for:

• Missing or damaged asphalt roof shingles – Damaged roof shingles can lead to leaks and water damage inside your home.
• Granule loss – If you notice shingle granules collecting in your gutters, it may be a sign your roof is wearing down.
• Sagging or soft spots on your roof – These can indicate trapped moisture or rot.

If you spot any of these roof warning signs, it may be time for a roof repair or replacement to avoid costly interior damage.

2. Check Your Gutters And Downspouts

Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation, leading to leaks and structural damage. To prevent water from collecting around your foundation:

• Clear out any debris, leaves, and dirt from your gutters.
• Ensure downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your home’s foundation.
• Look for rust, cracks, or sagging gutter sections that could signal the need for gutter replacement.

If you’re not looking to get on a ladder anytime soon (we get it!), PJ Fitzpatrick offers affordable gutter cleaning specials each month to help care for your home.

3. Examine Your Home Windows For Leaks And Drafts

Clogged or damaged gutters can cause water to pool around your foundation, leading to leaks and structural damage. To prevent water from collecting around your foundation:

• Condensation between window panes – This indicates window seal failure and can lead to energy inefficiency.
• Cracks or gaps in the caulking around your windows – Reapplying weatherproof sealant can help keep water and drafts out.
• Soft or rotting wood frames on your home’s windows – This is a sign of moisture infiltration that may require window replacement.

4. Assess Your Exterior Doors For Weather Damage

Entry doors can be a major weak point for leaks if they aren’t properly sealed. Inspect your doors for:

• Gaps around the door frame – Use weather stripping or door sweeps to keep rain and drafts out.
• Soft or discolored wood on your entry doors– This could indicate moisture damage and a need for a new door.
• Difficult operation – If your door sticks or doesn’t close properly, it could allow water to seep in.

5. Evaluate Your Siding For Wear And Tear

Damaged siding can let in water, leading to mold and structural issues. Look for:

• Cracks, warping, or loose siding panels – These Loose siding could allow moisture to penetrate your home.
• Blistering or bubbling paint on your home’s siding – This can indicate trapped moisture underneath the siding.
• Mold or mildew growth on your exterior siding – This suggests water is collecting where it shouldn’t.

Final Steps: Schedule A Professional Exterior Home Inspection

While a DIY checkup can catch many issues on your home’s exterior, a professional home inspection ensures no hidden problems go unnoticed. PJ Fitzpatrick’s expert home improvement team can help identify problem areas and recommend solutions to keep your home safe and dry all season long.