Common Springtime Issues with a Home
Ahh, that fresh air, and pollen, and rain
It’s getting warm in the house, the misses is complaining that it’s too warm and that the mister needs to take action. That little switch needs to be found again, the one that stops the complaining once and for all. Why isn’t that darn thing working? You hear the air coming out of the vents, but it’s not cold. Welcome to springtime baby.
This has to be said, and I’m hoping it sticks with all who read it. These temperature swings, along with dry to very wet weather, is causing a tremendous amount of stress to home components. In Fort Smith, Arkansas, last years’ high was 104F and the low was 3F…..a 101F degree differential. That wreaks havoc on anything, especially if anything is not maintained. So let’s talk about the items that us residential inspectors see that can cost home owners a ton of money, and potentially a home sale that doesn’t go through because of the lack of maintenance on a home.
Roof and Gutter Issues
The roof is the super-hero of the home. It protects, it defeats the bad elements, but over time, it can wear down. The 2 main issues with roofs is moisture and heat.
The moisture problems for a roof can be caused by shingle wear, damage, nail-pops, or CLOGGED GUTTERS. Clean out your gutters people. The other issue is heat, but unless you can control the weather right now, you just need to keep an eye on the age of the roof and plan to replace it if it exceeds its expected lifecycle.
Foundation and Drainage Issues
So guess what causes most foundations problems???? Nope, it’s gravity. Just kidding 🙂 If you said water, you are right. Water is the nectar of life but home structures are sometimes absolutely always affected by water. If you have clay in the soil mixture around your home and if the foundation was laid when the soil was wet, eeessshh, talk about alarm bells in my ears.
There are 2 main things that I like to see on and around a home. One is proper grading so the water can run off to the side and not collect around the base of the home. This can initially cause brick or other siding issues and will eventually lead to foundation problems if not addressed.
Second one is a solid gutter system. A gutter system should not only drain water away from the home, but be cleaned and properly sloped to let gravity do the work for you. Another thing to watch out for is that if a newer roof is on a home, many times the roofer will damage the gutters during the shingle replacement and will lead to issues later.
Plumbing Leaks
After the winter is over, many people start to see the water coming from behind the bricks when they turn the faucet on. It is after quite a few freezes is when most plumbing leaks will pop-up and the repairs are not too bad from the plumber’s side though. During a Home Inspection, Unified Inspection services also looks at the water pressure to the home to ensure no other issues are going on with the pipes to the home.
HVAC System Wear
As winter fades and warmer temperatures start working their way in, homeowners often switch off their furnaces and prepare their air conditioning for summer. But after months of heavy use, HVAC systems may show signs of wear that need attention and this is also when breakages occur.
Common HVAC Issues After Winter
- Filter Buildup – A clogged filter from months of heating can restrict airflow, making the system work harder.
- Blower Motor Strain – Constant operation in cold weather can wear down the blower motor, reducing efficiency.
- Thermostat Inconsistencies – Temperature fluctuations can reveal underlying issues with thermostat calibration.
- Condensation & Moisture Buildup – Cold weather can cause condensation in ducts, leading to mold or mildew growth.
- AC System Preparation – If the outdoor unit was exposed to ice and debris, it may need cleaning before summer operation.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To keep HVAC systems running efficiently, homeowners should:
✅ Change air filters regularly.
✅ Inspect ductwork for signs of leaks or blockages.
✅ Test the thermostat to ensure accurate temperature readings.
✅ Schedule a professional inspection to address unseen wear.
By taking proactive steps now, homeowners can avoid costly repairs and ensure their HVAC system runs smoothly through the changing seasons.
Getting a Home Maintenance Inspection will help identify these issues as well.
Pest Infestations
As temperatures rise, so do pest activity levels. Spring marks the return of common household invaders, bringing potential damage and health risks to unsuspecting homeowners.
Common Spring Pests
- Termites – Warmer weather wakes up termite colonies, increasing the risk of structural damage.
- Ants – Moisture buildup in homes draws ants searching for food sources.
- Rodents – Mice and rats that sheltered indoors over winter may now seek food and nesting spots.
- Mosquitoes – Standing water from spring rains provides breeding grounds for these disease-carrying insects.
- Cockroaches – Increased humidity leads to roach infestations in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of infestations, homeowners should:
✅ Seal cracks and entry points around doors and windows.
✅ Keep food stored properly and eliminate accessible water sources.
✅ Trim back vegetation near the home’s foundation.
✅ Schedule a pest inspection to catch infestations early.
By taking proactive steps now, homeowners can avoid costly extermination treatments and protect their property from damage.