This is how you prepare your home for spring

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1. Lightning strikes cost millions each year

Dark clouds are gathering, the air is oppressive, the wind is blowing: from May to September there is five times more thunder and lightning than in winter. The only effective protection is the lightning protection system. This releases energy to ground in a controlled manner and stabilizes overvoltages. Therefore: Install a system now or check an existing lightning rod. Because a rusted system no longer provides protection.

2. Protect wood facade and save money

Wood siding needs to be renewed every two to eight years, depending on weather conditions and the paint system. You can do minor maintenance work yourself. The facade should be regularly treated with liquid water protection – the ideal time for this is spring. Especially nice: you don’t have to cover parts of the wall and window frames as this is colorless.

You should also check the wooden facade for chipped paint, fungus and moss every two years and repair damaged areas. If you do this regularly, you can wait longer to paint the facade and save money. If your house has a walled facade, you can help yourself: simply clean the walls with a high-pressure cleaner. But be careful: you should not clean synthetic resin facades with hot steam. It is better to use a soft-bristled brush and mild soapy water. Are there any cracks or paint peeling anywhere? Then fix it right away.

3. This is how your balcony turns into an oasis of well-being

Ice can crack and shatter concrete slabs on balconies. Be sure to turn it off, otherwise water will get in. You can refresh wooden terraces and balconies with environmentally friendly care products or oil. Doors and windows – is everything tight? You can equip exterior doors with sealing strips to prevent drafts. If the windows are pulled, the sealing profiles may need to be changed. The weak point is corners where air gaps are easily visible.

Also, check the joints between the glass and the frame and between the window and the wall for cracks from the outside. If the joints are silicone, they must be renewed. If the windows are bent, moisture has entered the wood: it is best to postpone retouching the wood and painting the doors and windows until summer, so the windows can dry beforehand. It may be enough to readjust the hinges and doorknobs.

4. Next winter will definitely come: wait for warming

Continuous winter operation puts a strain on the heating material: so have your heating serviced in the spring. Maintenance is a must: A combi boiler left without maintenance for a long time may consume up to ten percent more energy than necessary. Important: Do not forget about your chimney. This is affected not only by moisture, but also by acid from the exhaust gases from the heating system. Since the chimney passes through the entire house, the ingress of water can cause serious damage to the structure.

5. Check the roof

Winter storms can loosen and shift roof tiles. And then water enters. This not only damages the building material, but also allows mold or dry rot to grow. So watch out! If you notice algae and weeds, dirt marks and water marks, this may be the first indication of an incipient damage. Hint: The moisture meter shows a critical value even if you can’t see anything with the naked eye. And if you have solar panels installed on your roof, check that all collectors are clean and the system is intact.

6. Clean the light shafts and install the rain barrel

Cellars and lighting chimneys are often a collection point for insects, leaves, garden waste, and small animals that have fallen or died. Very clean: modern light shaft covers can be walked on easily and safely. Also remember: install a rain barrel – water is ideal for watering flowers and you’ll save money too. Also clean your fountain and reconnect the pump.

7. Spring checklist

1. motor garden tools check it out fully. Are all the wires of electrical machines still intact? For gasoline powered machines: Clean or replace spark plugs (if any). Clean the rust film from the tools.
2. cars switch to summer tires and thoroughly remove all winter dirt. Grease the door and window rubbers.
3. motorcycles Check all mechanical and electronic functions. If the battery was removed in the winter, reinsert it.
4. bicycles getting fit for summer. Are the tires still in good condition and the brakes and lights still working? Clean all parts from cellar or storage dust.

Source : Blick