APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

April showers bring May flowers…and many home care opportunities. This is a great time to check on gutters, downspouts, rain barrels, foundational cracks, and windows. 

Did you know that for every inch of rainfall on a 1000 square foot roof, 600 gallons of water can collect? If you collect water in a rain barrel, you can reuse it for irrigating ornamental trees, lawn, and flowers; washing your vehicles; rinsing out recyclable containers before tossing them into the bin; and spraying down your walkways. 

Rainy spring days are a good time to check on the basement and crawlspace. Water stains along the wall and floor, excess moisture, or mold can be good indicators that you need to look further at windows and foundational issues with a professional. 

If the sides or bottoms of your windows show a few leaks during a downpour, you may just need to redo your sealant or caulking. Updating weatherstripping might be another solution. Water building up between the panes of double windows could mean that you may have a bad gas seal. If you have water leaking from beneath the window itself, it may cause more serious damage. Take a look to determine if you can solve the leaky window issues yourself or to determine if it's time to call in the experts. 

Spring rains help our gardens flourish and keep our waterways primed for outdoor fun, but they can also be a great reminder of home maintenance needs. Prevention and attention to water related issues could save you money down the road. Keeping your home clean, dry, and free of mold, mildew, and water damage gives you the freedom to fully enjoy Virginia living! Give me a call if you need a recommendation for a professional to help you with your home maintenance needs.