Environmental Issue & Sick Building Syndrome Blog

Looking Around the Property For Spring Checkup

April 5th, 2014 7:25 PM by Dan Howard

  • Check for loose siding, shingles, gutters, downspouts, soffit and fascia. Securing loose materials is cheaper and looks better than replacing them with new materials that will not match faded components.    

  • Branches, limbs, leaves and other debris blocking gutters will result in wall and foundation leaks. At the same time you are looking up, check for loose shingles. A leaking ceiling is a bad way to learn about roof leaks. 

  • After looking up at the roof, take a look down and identify and seal spaces between the house and patio or sidewalks to avoid wet basements

  • Check for openings in your fences, particularly if you have pets. 

  • Retaining walls that have moved or pushed need repair before they fall or cause damage.

  • Stand back and check chimney conditions. Loose brick is a safety hazard, chipping brick can be a sign of blocked or oversized chimneys.

  • Check railings to make sure that they are secure. A railing that comes loose can cause more injury than no railing at all if they come loose while being used for support.   

  • Check peeling paint which often indicates that there is leakage into a wall or overhang.

  • Look for hanging limbs. They can damage whatever is below them when they finally come loose.

  • Check that the decks are secured. Every year we have stories about decks and balconies falling. 

 
Posted in:General
Posted by Dan Howard on April 5th, 2014 7:25 PM

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