Look Down

Months of rain, snow and ice take their toll on the surfaces of your home’s exterior features, including patios, decks, driveways, walkways and steps. Salt and sand used to melt and prevent ice buildup can eat away at wood and concrete. While you’re tending to spring home maintenance is the perfect opportunity to give these important features a little TLC.

Patch Up Driveways, Walkways & Steps

First, visually inspect for cracks or buckling on the surface on your driveway, walkway and steps. Damaged steps and walkways are a hazard that can invite injuries or even a lawsuit. Water can seep into the soil around your home through broken pavement. Improper drainage can lead to water damage to your foundation, basement or crawl space.

You may be able to patch minor damaged areas yourself with non-shrinking elastic or asphalt filler. Serious damage, like missing chunks and potholes may require a professional with specialized equipment and skills to repair or replace the damaged area. Any previously patched areas are also susceptible to water seepage and should be refilled.

Before applying filler, treat any grass or weeds growing through the cracks. Plants and herb growth undermine the structural integrity of concrete, asphalt or stone walkways and patios. If you have stubborn or persistent weeds, spray your surface down with a mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural way to kill off plant growth. Just be careful not to spray any desirable plants like flowers or turf.

Put polymeric sand in between the cracks to ensure that no more growth sprouts through. Polymeric sand, a mix of fine sands and polymers, is also great for pest control. Ants, spiders and other bugs can find their way into your home through cracks in your steps and foundation. Fill those cracks and keep pests outside where they belong.

Once the cracks are patched up, you might also consider re-sealing your driveway. Re-paving a driveway is expensive and time-consuming. By sealing it, you reduce the wear and tear caused by weather and vehicles.

Potholes are a common problem with driveways. Pour two inches worth of resurfacer into the hole, then pack it down with a shovel. Allow the two inches to dry. Add two more inches at a time until the hole is filled. Once it’s done, add a crown over top, to protect it. This will also help the filling to compact, making it as sturdy as the rest of the driveway.

Inspect & Wash Decks and Patios

Decks and patios are favorite summer spots. Spring is the perfect time to give them a once over and ensure they’re ready for summer fun.

Examine railings and replace any that are not sturdy. Check deck supports to ensure they are not wobbly or rotted. Verify that the post connections are strong. And make sure the flashing, which protects your home from water damage where the deck attaches to the house, remains intact.

You may want to power wash your deck and, potentially, re-stain it. Opt for a weather resistant stain with sealer to keep your deck looking good all year long.

If you’re short on time or feel uncomfortable with DIY projects, hire a pro to take care of the work for you. Just be sure to get multiple estimates, read online reviews and check licenses to ensure you’re hiring the right pro for the job.

Next: Checking For Leaks