### Spring Exterior Awakening (March-May)

Post-Winter Recovery: Assessing and Repairing Winter Damage

Winter inflicts maximum stress on exterior systems through freeze-thaw cycles, ice formation, and moisture infiltration. Spring inspection and repair prevents minor damage from becoming major problems.

Comprehensive Spring Exterior Inspection (Time: 3-4 hours)

Foundation Assessment (Time: 45 minutes)

1. Walk-Around Inspection - Examine entire foundation perimeter - Look for new cracks or crack enlargement - Check for water stains or efflorescence - Note any settling or movement signs

2. Drainage and Grading Check - Verify soil slopes away from foundation (6 inches in first 10 feet) - Clear debris from foundation drains - Check downspout extensions and splash blocks - Inspect window wells for drainage issues

3. Foundation Problem Identification Immediate Professional Attention Required: - Cracks wider than 1/4 inch - Horizontal cracks (indicate pressure) - Cracks that have grown since last inspection - Any structural settling or displacement

DIY Repair Acceptable: - Hairline cracks (less than 1/8 inch) - Minor mortar joint deterioration - Surface water staining - Small gaps around penetrations

Siding and Exterior Wall Inspection (Time: 90 minutes)

1. Systematic Visual Survey - Work methodically around house perimeter - Use binoculars for high areas - Check both sunny and shaded exposures - Document problems with photos

2. Common Spring Problems Vinyl Siding Issues: - Cracked or broken panels from ice/impact - Loose panels from wind or settling - Caulk failures around windows/doors - Fading or discoloration from UV exposure

Wood Siding Problems: - Paint peeling or bubbling from moisture - Wood rot in vulnerable areas - Insect damage or pest intrusion points - Caulk shrinkage and gap formation Fiber Cement and Masonry: - Crack development from settling - Paint adhesion failures - Mortar joint deterioration - Efflorescence from moisture migration

Exterior Caulking and Sealing (Time: 60 minutes inspection, 3-4 hours repair)

Critical Caulking Locations:

1. Windows and Doors - Perimeter caulk joints - Sill and threshold seals - Storm window/screen interfaces - Hardware mounting points

2. Penetrations and Transitions - Electrical meter and service entrance - Plumbing and gas line entries - HVAC line sets and vents - Outdoor lighting and outlet boxes

3. Siding Transitions - Inside and outside corners - Trim board interfaces - Foundation-to-siding transitions - Roof-to-wall intersections

Caulking Material Selection:

- Paintable latex: Interior/exterior general use ($3-$5/tube) - Polyurethane: High-movement joints ($6-$10/tube) - Silicone: Non-paintable, maximum flexibility ($4-$8/tube) - Specialized: Roof, gutter, concrete applications ($8-$15/tube)