Ma | 978.373.2859

NH | 603.891.4777

Email | info@abchomeinspection.com

ABC Serving  Parts of  New Hampshire and Massachusetts Since 1984  ¨A State Licensed Home Inspection Company¨

ALL ABOUT HOUSES BY ANDY CONSOLI

Now Is the Time to Find and Fix Winter Damage

Originally published in Haverhill Life, April 2018
By Andrew B. Consoli

🌱 Spring Maintenance Matters

Winter can quietly damage your home — now’s the time to walk your property and catch issues before they get worse (or more expensive).

✅ What to Look for During Your Spring Inspection

🔌 Utilities & Wiring

Overhead wires – Look for branches hanging on wires.
⚠️ Do not remove them yourself — call a professional.

💧 Drainage & Water

Yard drainage – Watch for low spots or standing water.
Cellars & crawlspaces – Check for seepage, mold, or wood rot.
Outside faucets – Turn them on to ensure no winter pipe damage.

🏠 Exterior of the Home

Gutters & downspouts – Make sure they haven’t pulled away from the house.
Roof – Look for missing shingles, damage from ice dams, or signs of water leaks.
Siding & trim – Ensure nothing has shifted or loosened.
Walkways, steps, & decks – Check for cracks, tripping hazards, or structural separation.

⚠️ Decks can pull away from the house from heavy snow—even if they were built to code.

❄️ Snow & Ice Impact

Shoveled roofs – Be cautious if your roof was cleared of snow.

Improper snow removal can strip shingles and cause leaks.
Always hire an insured contractor who knows how to remove snow without damaging shingles.

🚧 Driveway & Pavement

Seal cracks in asphalt driveways and walkways before next winter to prevent ice damage.

🛠️ Act Now — Don’t Delay Repairs

Some winter damage may be covered by insurance — check with your provider.
Delaying repairs can lead to:

Mold
Structural damage
More expensive future fixes

✅ Final Tip

A simple walk-around inspection could save you thousands of dollars in surprise repairs.
Spring is here — take advantage of it!

📧 Need help or have questions?
Reach out to Andy at info@abchomeinspection.com