In mountain country, transitioning your cabin from the chilly embrace of winter to the fresh bloom of spring involves critical chores beyond the simple dusting off of outdoor furniture and prepping for BBQs and gatherings.
If only it were that easy!
Preparing for spring in the Park means thoroughly checking our cabins for winter damage and readying our homes for the unpredictable weather ahead. Yes, even in spring, we must be vigilant about snow. Our spring and summer are fleeting, and once the monsoon season sets in, completing any exterior maintenance becomes a challenge.
But there’s more to it than just weather-proofing. It’s also about protecting your land against possible wildfires. Veterans of Munds Park are well-versed in the necessary precautions, but for newcomers, understanding how to safeguard your property during wildfire season is crucial for your family’s and the community’s safety.
Check out these helpful tips:
Check the Roof
Your roof takes a heavy beating during the winter, and if you ignore maintenance and inspection after winter storms pound your roof, you run the risk of structural and interior home damage.
Look for Damaged Shingles
Damaged and loose shingles can expose your cabin to roof leaks and water damage. If shingles are broken, water will seep underneath and eventually enter your home. Also, if any shingles are loose, strong winter winds can blow them away.
Repair Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is sometimes overlooked but vital to a well-maintained roof. Roof flashing protects your home from water damage by diverting water from certain areas of the roof.
Replace Old Caulking
During the winter, caulking can become less elastic, separate, or crack. New caulking will expand and contract with the cold and warm weather, keeping critical junctures in your roof watertight and dry. Checking the sealant around vent pipes, chimneys, and counter-flashing is essential.
Trim Trees
Trimming trees around your roof is a must-do task to avoid roof damage as storms come thundering through. Overhanging branches can break off during a big storm and damage your roof.
Hiring a professional trained to do these tasks is best—Especially considering the height of most cabins in the Park and the rocky terrain.
Clean Rain Gutters
Chances are, after winter storms, your gutters are full. That’s bad news for your cabin. When downspouts are clogged, rainwater can spill out of your gutters and around the perimeter of your house, putting it at risk for leaks and flooding. Prepare for spring showers by removing debris from your gutters and ensuring water flows freely.
Service HVAC
The start of spring is an ideal time to have your home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling systems inspected and serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance not only enhances efficiency and saves money but also improves air quality. Most importantly, it helps avoid breakdowns during winter. Remember, planning maintenance ahead of winter ensures you’ll stay warm, as demand is high during those months, and delays in service could leave you in the cold!
Check Vents
As the snow melts away from your home’s foundation, checking any vents along the foundation or in the attic is crucial. Look out for missing or damaged screens, debris accumulation, signs of insect or rodent infestation, or any other potential issues.
Take a Walk Around Your Cabin
As you walk around your cabin, inspect for damage or wear caused by ice, snow, or low temperatures. Check your foundation for cracks or gaps, and seal windows or doors if necessary. Similarly, examine your deck for loose or damaged boards and seal any cracks in your walkway or driveway.
Check Your Plumbing
Inspect both the interior and exterior of your pipes for cracks or damage resulting from winter conditions. Additionally, be vigilant for any signs of leaks, wet spots, or water damage that may have occurred.
Landscaping & Pine Needle Clean Up
A hot ember from a nearby campfire, fire-pit, or wildfire can travel 5-20 miles and still retain enough heat to ignite a fire upon landing. Therefore, it’s crucial for all Mundsies to do their part and ensure their property is firewise ready.
Preparing Your Cabin for Wildfire Season
Remove pine needles and other green waste from gutters.
Remove leaf/pine needles within at least 10 feet of your cabin.
Cut down or thin trees to create defensible space on your property.
Remove tall, dry grass from the property surrounding your home.
Trim branches that overhang your cabin, porch, and deck, and prune branches of large trees to be 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
Regularly prune excess growth from your bushes and shrubs.
Find all the help you need right here to get your spring chores started off with ease!
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