MN Homeowner’s Spring Maintenance Guide

Winters in Minnesota are a bit harsh, to put it lightly. Extreme cold, along with unpredictable weather, can put a lot of miles on your home’s exterior. 

That’s why it’s imperative to have a comprehensive spring maintenance checklist to keep your home’s exterior fully functioning while spotting problems before they get worse.

Here is your ultimate spring maintenance exterior checklist!

Clean Gutters

If you didn’t get around to cleaning your gutters in the fall, you might want to put this on the top of your checklist. The gutter plays a pivotal role in directing water flow away from your roof and the rest of your home. 

Clogged gutters have the opposite effect, pooling water that will seep into your roof and even your foundation. 

Cleaning gutters is pretty simple. All you need is a ladder, a pair of working gloves, a garden hose, and an hour or so of time! Remove the larger debris from the gutters, then wash it out to finish the job.

Check Your Roof for Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are a tell-tale sign of roof damage. So, when the snow melts off your roof, an inspection of its state is a prudent move. 

Missing shingles after winter passes could indicate water damage caused by snow or ice dams. Catching missing shingles from your roof could be the difference between a simple roof repair or an entire roof replacement.

Attic Inspection

If you spot ice dams on your roof in the winter, it’s a sure sign of poor attic insulation. Additionally, ice dams may also be indicative of water damage inside your attic. If this is the case, you will have to remove your current insulation material and replace it.

If you’re wondering when you should replace attic insulation, Trinity Exteriors recommends the following: 

• You had ice dam problems during the winter. 

• Your energy bills are increasing. 

• You feel drafts in your home. 

• Your current insulation is worn or moldy.

• Your current insulation has water damage.

A professional roofing contractor can inspect your attic, assess the state of your current insulation, and help you determine if it’s time for replacement. 

Siding Inspection & Maintenance

Siding will fall victim to winter’s harsh wrath as well. You will want to take a lap around your home and look for any signs of siding damage, such as cracks, dents, or missing pieces. 

Other than severe weather, the cold will cause the siding to become brittle and shatter. If you spot any damaged or missing siding, you should replace it as soon as possible.

If you previously invested in a siding warranty, then you can check for damage that may fall under the warranty’s coverage. If you believe your siding was damaged as a result of workmanship problems or quality issues. If you bought your contractor’s warranty, then you can call them for repairs on workmanship problems.  

Additionally, you hose down your siding in the spring. The winter attracts all sorts of fine debris like dirt and salt. A quick washing with your garden hose and a rag should have it looking pristine in no time!

Roof Inspection

After the heavy weather of winter, it’s a good idea to schedule a comprehensive roof inspection. In addition to checking for missing shingles, as we mentioned above, a roof inspection can ensure that every part of your roof survived the long winter. 

Roof inspections check for the following: 

• Missing shingles

• Worn granules

• Cracked or missing caulk

• Rusted or missing flashing

• Wood rot or sagging areas

• Rotted or torn rubber

• Cracks in the chimney or missing caps

• Loose gutters

Call a local roofing company in Minnesota to conduct a roof inspection once the weather gets warm. 

Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

If your post-winter maintenance is too cumbersome, contact a local roofing contractor to help. A company like Trinity Exteriors can handle anything from roofs, siding, windows, and gutters. If you need assistance choosing the right contractor, follow these steps: 

• Check their reviews and past work

• Ask friends and family for recommendations

• Ask contractors for their credentials

• Ask contractors for references

• Check their warranties and guarantees

• Ensure they follow proper safety protocols

• Ensure they are bonded and insured

• Compare quotes

These tips can help you determine who the best contractor will be for your home repairs and maintenance.  

Contact Trinity Exteriors for Spring Maintenance Assistance

If you run into an issue during your spring maintenance, you can trust Trinity Exteriors to assist you. No matter what repairs or maintenance you need on your home’s exterior, we can help. 

Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians will make quick work of any siding, window, gutter, or roof problem. We’re more than happy to help you determine what work needs to be done on your home. 

Receive a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!