Spring in the Big Country is not like spring in most places. While the rest of the country is dealing with thawing ground and April showers, we are getting sandblasted by 40-mile-per-hour winds and watching the temperature swing from 85 to 45 in the same week. Your home just survived another West Texas winter, and spring is the time to assess the damage and get ahead of summer.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Start with your roof and gutters. Winter ice, wind, and hail can loosen shingles, crack flashing, and fill gutters with debris. Grab a pair of binoculars and scan your roof from the ground. Look for missing or curled shingles, exposed nail heads, and any flashing that has pulled away from chimneys or vents. Clean your gutters and downspouts to handle spring rains. Clogged gutters push water against your fascia and into your soffit, leading to wood rot.
Seal Exterior Cracks and Gaps
Check your home's exterior for cracks and gaps. West Texas temperature swings cause expansion and contraction that opens gaps around windows, doors, and where different materials meet. Walk the perimeter with a tube of exterior caulk and seal any gaps you find. This keeps out moisture, dust, and insects while improving energy efficiency. Pay special attention to where your siding meets the foundation.
Check Your Deck and Outdoor Structures
Your deck and outdoor structures need a thorough inspection after winter. Check for loose boards, popped nails, and any signs of rot. Sand rough spots and apply a fresh coat of stain or sealant if needed. The brutal summer UV is coming, and a protected deck surface handles it much better than bare, dried-out wood. If your deck is composite, a good pressure wash is usually all it needs.
Evaluate Exterior Paint and Siding
Inspect your exterior paint and siding. The West Texas sun and wind erode paint faster than almost any other climate in the country. Look for peeling, chalking, or bare spots, especially on south and west-facing walls. Touch up small areas now before they become big projects. If the paint is failing across large areas, it is time to plan a full exterior repaint before summer heat makes the job harder.
Service Your HVAC Before Summer
Inside, check your HVAC system before you need it. Replace filters, clear debris from the outdoor unit, and run the air conditioning to make sure it is working before the first 100-degree day catches you off guard. In our dusty environment, HVAC filters clog faster than the manufacturer suggests. Consider switching to every-month filter changes during dust season.
Check Window and Door Seals
Look at your windows and doors for seal integrity. Run your hand around the edges on a windy day and feel for drafts. Weatherstripping wears out and needs periodic replacement. Properly sealed windows and doors make a noticeable difference in your energy bill during a West Texas summer when your AC runs hard.
Get Help with Spring Repairs
Adrian's Custom Services helps homeowners across the Big Country with spring maintenance and repairs. Whether you need deck repairs, exterior painting touch-ups, or drywall fixes from winter settling, getting these items handled in spring saves you money and headaches down the road.