The time between winter and spring is the perfect chance to remedy moisture damage and heat loss issues with your home. This chilly and wet weather allows you to see where your home is leaking water and heat. Look around your home and take note of any condensation or water stains that you may see. Places to look include: ceilings, under the roof, under the eaves, window and door frames, ventilation seals, toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. Don't forget to look around the crawlspace as well as the basement walls and ceiling. If you find a problem, the solution will depend on the source of the leak. It may just take some re-caulking or you may need the assistance of a plumber.
Here are some other items that should make your to-do list this month:
- Replace your shower curtain if needed-wet shower curtains can grow toxic mold and mildew and can also add to the mold problem in your shower.
- Find and seal energy leaks-feel for cold air entering your home through window and door frames, chimneys, around appliance vents, furnace ducts, etc. Use caulk to fill in small gaps and a can of insulating foam to fill in larger ones. Weather stripping may be a good option for any door frames leaking air and simply caulking around a window frame should reduce the leak.
- Invest in fire extinguishers-buy A. B, C class extinguishers for any living spaces, workshops, or garages. Your kitchen needs a special type of extinguisher capable of putting out B (grease) and C (electrical) fires. For living areas, sleeping areas, and fireplaces get an A-B-C mulit-purpose extinguisher which is able to put out fires consuming wood, cloth, trash, and paper. Check the extinguishers regularly to ensure the gauges read 100%.
- Exterior-Inspect the outside of your home for storm damage and clean the gutters. Start getting to work in your yard and garden. Mulch the garden beds and prune ornamental grasses.
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