Spring chores are a big deal in mountain country and mean more than dusting off the outdoor furniture and getting our cabins ready for BBQs and gatherings.
If only it were that easy!
Preparing for spring in the Park means checking over our cabins for winter damage and readying our homes for the next big snowfall. What? We have to think about snow in the spring? Yes! Our spring and summers are short and once monsoon season hits, completing exterior maintenance is nearly impossible.
But, more than that, it’s about preparing for possible wildfires. Mundsies who have been around a while know the drill. But for folks new to the Park, knowing how to prepare your property for wildfire season is essential for your family and community.
Moreover, taking care of your cabin can save you costly repairs. 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 it’s 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. So it’s important to check the sealant around vent pipes, chimneys, and counter-flashing.
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 can seriously damage your roof.
Unless you are in the profession, hiring a professional trained to do these tasks is best—Especially considering the height of most cabins in the Park and the rocky terrain.
Hire a Professional
Elevated Roofing is a premier provider with a 4.9 Google Rating and provides free roof inspections.
Essential Roofing
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.
Pro Tip: Don’t hire just anyone to clean your gutters. Every job that involves working on a ladder comes with additional risks, especially for two-story cabins or higher. Gutter, roof damage, and injury can occur with the wrong professional, so choose wisely.
Hire a Professional
Service HVAC
The start of the spring is a great time to have your home’s heating, ventilation, and cooling systems inspected and serviced by a professional. Regular maintenance will improve efficiency, save money, improve air quality, and most importantly, avoid a winter breakdown!
You especially want to avoid issues with your heater during the winter months. Snowfall, like we’ve experienced this winter, may prevent timely service. Further, it’s a busy time of the year, and you may not get service exactly when needed. So plan ahead.
Hire a Professional
Fiscor Heating & Cooling is a premier provider with a 4.9 Google Rating from 166 satisfied customers. You can trust them to take care of your HVAC needs.
Check Vents
As the snow melts away from your home’s foundation, checking any vents along the foundation or in the attic is important. Look for missing or damaged screens, debris, signs of insect or rodent infestation, or other issues.
Test Alarms
Let the change of season be your reminder to test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for proper functioning. Change batteries if necessary. Alarms can malfunction as they age, so if yours are older than seven years, consider replacing them.
Take a Walk Around Your Cabin
As you walk around your cabin, look for damage or wear caused by ice, snow, or low temperatures. Inspect your foundation for cracks or gaps, and seal windows or doors if needed. Similarly, take a look at your deck for loose or damaged boards, and seal up any cracks in your walkway or drive.
Check Your Plumbing
Take a look at your pipes inside and out for cracks or damage from the winter, as well as leaks, wet spots, or water damage.
Hire a Professional
Pinewood Plumbing
Landscaping & Pine Needle Clean Up
A hot ember from a nearby campfire, firepit or wildfire can travel 5-20 miles and still be hot enough to ignite a fire where it lands.
Therefore, it is critical that all Mundsies 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 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
Prune excess growth from your bushes and shrubs regularly.
Take all green waste to the Willard Springs green waste site (Free Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) If you cannot get it to the curb for the Bear Jaw Crew to pick up and remove, please follow their guidelines.
Hire a Professional
4-Sons Landscape Maintenance (pine needle cleanup and removal)
Arizona North Tree Service (tree trimming)
Goodfellas (pine needle cleanup and removal) a premier provider with a 5.0 Google Rating.
Mario and Mario Landscaping & Tree Service (pine needle cleanup & tree trimming)
Munds Cabin Crew (pine needle cleanup and removal)
Ultimate Yard Service (pine needle cleanup and removal)
Remember, completing cabin maintenance as soon as possible is always a good idea—especially if you need to hire a professional. Our local tradesmen book up fast, and at times weather gets in the way of getting things done!