Spring is the season when winter damage becomes visible. Catch small problems now (a cracked foundation, a failing seal, a clogged drain) before they become expensive repairs by summer.
Exterior and Roof
Inspect roof for lifted, cracked, or missing shingles caused by freeze-thaw cycles or ice dams. Look for granule accumulation in gutters. Excessive granules indicate aging shingles.
Check all roof flashing (chimney, skylights, vents, valleys). Freeze-thaw expansion is the leading cause of flashing separation.
Inspect gutters for sagging, rust, and joint separation after ice loading. Re-secure loose hangers with screws.
Check all exterior caulking around windows, doors, and penetrations. Winter causes caulk to crack and separate. It needs replacement every 5–10 years.
Walk the perimeter and look for foundation cracks. Horizontal cracks in block or poured concrete foundations are serious. Call a structural engineer.
Check wood trim, fascia, and soffit for rot or paint failure. Probe suspicious areas with a screwdriver. Soft or spongy wood has rot.
Drainage and Grading
Verify grading slopes away from the foundation on all sides. Soil should fall at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from the house.
Check window wells for standing water or debris accumulation.
Flush downspouts and confirm they direct water at least 6 feet from the foundation.
Look for erosion patterns around the foundation that indicate improper drainage.
Deck and Exterior Structures
Inspect deck boards and ledger board for rot or structural damage. The ledger (where the deck attaches to the house) is the most critical connection. Confirm lag screws are tight and flashing is intact.
Test deck railings for stability. Code requires railings not deflect more than 1 inch under 200 lbs horizontal load.
Check fence posts for heaving caused by frost. Posts can shift significantly after a hard winter.
Interior and Systems
Check the basement and crawlspace for water intrusion or new moisture stains after snowmelt. Fresh white mineral deposits on walls indicate recent water movement.
Inspect attic for signs of ice dam damage: water stains, compressed insulation, or rot at eaves.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
Service outdoor faucets: reconnect hoses and test for leaks after shutoff valve operation over winter.
Schedule HVAC tune-up for air conditioning season (May is ideal before peak demand).
What Should I Check in the Other Seasons?
Protect Your Home In Every Season By taking a little time to maintain your home every season, you can reduce expensive home repairs down the line.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Roof and drainage inspection are the highest priority. They prevent the most expensive damage. A small flashing failure found in March costs $200–$500 to fix; the same failure discovered after a summer rainstorm causes interior water damage that costs $5,000–$30,000.
The best window is late March through April, after the last hard freeze but before vegetation fully leafs out (making roof inspection easier). In the South, February is fine. In northern states, wait until temperatures are consistently above freezing.
Vertical hairline cracks in poured concrete are usually caused by normal concrete curing and shrinkage. Seal with hydraulic cement and monitor. Horizontal cracks in block or brick foundation walls are a structural red flag requiring an engineer. Diagonal cracks at corners of windows or doors can indicate settlement. Any crack wider than 1/4 inch that is growing should be evaluated professionally.
Look for water stains at the eaves on the underside of the roof sheathing. Compressed or wet insulation near the eaves is a sign that water penetrated under shingles during freezing. Discolored or soft roof decking indicates moisture damage that can progress to rot.
A professional home inspector charges $300–$600 for a complete inspection. For specific systems: roof inspection ($150–$300), chimney inspection and cleaning ($150–$300), HVAC tune-up ($80–$200). A general inspection is most cost-effective when buying a home; for maintenance purposes, targeted inspections of specific concerns are more practical.
