Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Michigan Homeowners
Michigan winters are hard on homes. By the time April arrives, most houses have some battle scars. Here's what to inspect and address every spring to keep small problems from becoming expensive repairs.
Exterior
Roof and Gutters Look for missing or lifted shingles — the freeze-thaw cycle is brutal on roofs. Check gutters for sagging, separation from the fascia, or debris buildup. Clogged gutters cause ice dams and water infiltration.
Foundation Walk the perimeter and look for new cracks, especially horizontal ones. Check that soil and mulch aren't piled against the foundation (this traps moisture). Make sure downspouts are directing water at least 6 feet from the house.
Siding and Trim Look for cracked or warped siding, gaps in caulking around windows and doors, and peeling paint. Any gaps or cracks are an invitation for water and insects.
Interior
Basement After spring thaw, check for water intrusion — look for efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on block walls, damp spots on the floor, or musty smells. Catching a leak early saves thousands.
Windows and Doors Check weatherstripping and caulking. Drafty windows don't just cost you in energy bills — they let in moisture.
Attic In Michigan, inadequate attic ventilation causes both summer overheating and winter ice dams. Look for dark spots on the underside of the roof deck (mold) or insulation that looks wet or compressed.
Drywall New cracks that appeared over winter are worth investigating. As noted, horizontal cracks and soft spots are the most serious.
Plumbing Turn on all outdoor spigots and check for leaks — a burst pipe that froze and cracked over winter isn't always obvious until you turn it back on.
Hearth & Hammer offers full home repair and renovation services throughout West Michigan. If your spring inspection turns up problems, contact us for a free estimate.
