Big Bear winters may not be as harsh as other parts of the country but they can take their toll on your mountain home. Here are a few tips for getting your Big Bear property back in shape after the snow has melted away.
Exterior Maintenance Inspection
Grab a ladder and thoroughly inspect your roof for missing shingles and flashing. Pay special attention around chimneys and vents. Minor roof damage can quickly turn into major problems if left un-checked.
Inspect gutters and downspouts to see that they haven’t pulled loose and that they aren’t clogged. Make sure downspouts are extended away from the foundation.
Walk around the foundation and make sure the dirt slopes away from the home. Melting snow and rain can undermine the foundation and lead to moisture damage and mold. Check foundation vents and look for any animal nests under the home.
If you have a deck or porch, check for rotting materials or mold. Make sure all nuts and bolts are tightened. If the deck still shakes or sways, extra bracing should be added. Decks and porches should be cleaned and sealed every two to three years.
Open and close all windows and screens to make sure they’re working properly. This is a good excuse to go ahead and clean the windows and screens. Check for air and water leaks.
Interior Maintenance Inspection
Walk room to room and check the ceilings and walls for any water stains or paint bubbles that may tip off roof damage or a plumbing problem.
If the attic is accessible grab a flashlight and look for any water damage or animal nests.
Look under the sinks and wherever plumbing is visible to check for leaks. Calcium build-up is a good indication of water leakage.
Spring is a good time to service hot water heaters and all heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. All systems should be professionally inspected and serviced twice a year, and a hot water heater should be serviced at least once a year.
Run all of the appliances and replace/clean filters as needed
Spring inspections are particularly important if your Big Bear property is a rental or second home. You may only have a few times each year to inspect your property and protect against small problems becoming big ones. Most local contractors and tradesmen offer free inspections.
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Great article Tyler!
When ready for some more help and advice, contact Licensed Home Improvement for more tips and help with your mountain home maintenance, repairs, and improvements. http://www.licensedhomeimprovement.com.