Spring — April Through May (Tips 1 through 5)
- Inspect the roof from ground level with binoculars after winter — look for lifted shingles, granule accumulation at downspouts, and damaged flashing. Free aerial inspections from Energy Plus: (989) 833-1000. 2. Clean gutters and flush downspouts after spring seed drop. 3. Check foundation perimeter for new cracks — spring thaw reveals winter damage. 4. Test sump pumps before peak snowmelt. 5. Walk every exterior wall for cracked caulk, lifted siding, and separated joints.
Summer — June Through August (Tips 6 through 9)
- Check window and door seals for thermal-expansion gaps and re-caulk. 7. Pressure-wash and probe deck boards for rot — check railing stability. 8. Check attic ventilation on a hot July afternoon — a well-ventilated Isabella County attic should be warm but not stifling. If it feels like an oven, additional ventilation prevents shingle degradation. 9. Clean dryer exhaust duct — lint buildup is a documented fire hazard in Central Michigan homes.
Fall — September Through November (Tips 10 through 13)
- Clean gutters in late October after full leaf fall from Isabella County oaks and maples. 11. Schedule furnace service in September — HVAC contractors are booked November through January in Central Michigan. 12. Measure attic insulation depth — Zone 5 minimum R-38. Below that, call Energy Plus at (989) 833-1000. 13. Caulk all exterior penetrations while temperatures are above 40F for proper cure.
Winter — December Through March (Tips 14 and 15)
- Monitor roof snow load after major Isabella County storms — more than 18 inches of wet snow on flat sections is a structural concern. Use a roof rake from ground level. 15. Check pipes in unheated crawl spaces during -10F cold snaps — foam pipe insulation at 1 to 3 dollars per linear foot prevents burst pipes costing thousands to repair.
When Maintenance Finds a Bigger Problem
Energy Plus handles roofing, siding, windows, gutters, insulation, and crawl space across Isabella County. If your inspection finds something requiring professional attention, call (989) 833-1000.
