A seasonal care calendar for Atlanta homes
How to use this calendar
Houses in this part of the Southeast work hard. Summers are hot and humid. Thunderstorms roll through. Now and then an ice storm settles in, and the remnants of a tropical system can bring days of rain. Bathrooms and kitchens take the brunt, because water is already part of their daily life.
This calendar is a gentle routine, not a chore list to dread. Most items take a few minutes. Do what fits your home. If you live in an older house, give the notes for older homes a little extra attention.
Spring: after the cold lets go
Spring is a good time to look for anything winter left behind.
- Look under every sink for drips, stains or a musty smell. Dry the area, then check again in a week.
- Press gently on the floor around the toilet and tub. Soft or springy spots deserve attention.
- Check caulk and grout around the tub, shower and backsplash. Replace caulk that is cracked, peeling or dark.
- Run the bath exhaust fan and hold a tissue near the grille. If it does not pull the tissue, the fan may need cleaning or repair.
- If you have a crawl space, look at it on a dry day for wet soil, standing water, sagging insulation or signs of pests.
- Older homes: look at visible pipes and shutoff valves for corrosion, and turn each valve gently to be sure it still moves.
Summer: humidity season
Humidity is the quiet troublemaker here.
- Run the bath fan during showers and for a while afterward.
- Wipe down shower walls and glass when you notice mildew starting. Early cleaning is easy.
- Check dishwasher, sink and toilet supply lines for bulges, drips or rust at the fittings.
- If a room stays damp, a dehumidifier can help. If a crawl space stays damp, ask a provider to take a look.
- On a slab foundation, watch for unexplained damp patches or a spot on the floor that feels warm. Either can point to a leak.
- Find your main water shutoff before storm season, and make sure everyone at home can reach it.
Fall: get ready before it turns cold
A little work now makes winter easier.
- Clear gutters and downspouts so rain moves away from the foundation.
- Check outside caulk around windows, vents and pipe openings on brick and vinyl siding.
- Disconnect garden hoses. Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and outside walls.
- Test the range hood and clean or replace its filter.
- Reseal natural stone or grout if the manufacturer recommends it, following the product directions.
- Older homes: pay attention to pipes in unheated spaces. Mill-era houses often have runs that were never well protected.
Winter: ice storm readiness
Cold snaps here are brief but can be sharp, and homes are not always built for them.
- Make sure you know where the main shutoff is.
- When a hard cold snap is forecast, open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let a faucet drip slowly.
- Keep the heat on at a steady, modest setting if you travel.
- If power goes out during an ice storm, keep water use light and watch for pipes in cold spaces.
- After the thaw, check under sinks and ceilings below bathrooms for new stains or drips.
If a pipe bursts, shut off the water at the main, then contact a licensed plumber.
After a big storm
Thunderstorms and tropical remnants can push water where it does not belong.
- Look for ceiling stains below bathrooms and kitchens.
- Check the crawl space for standing water or wet insulation.
- Look at the bases of cabinets and the floor near exterior doors.
- Take dated photos of any damage before cleaning up.
- Dry wet areas quickly. Damp materials left alone can lead to mold and rot.
Whether insurance covers storm damage depends on your policy. Read it or ask your insurer.
When to ask for help
Most of the items above are small. Some are signs that a job is bigger than a weekend fix: a soft floor, repeated mold, discolored walls, or a shower that no longer drains well. If you are thinking about a tub-to-shower conversion or a walk-in tub or shower, you can describe the project through the request form. Tearapproved Remodeling lists independent providers, and availability depends on the provider. Small jobs and mobile homes are generally not a fit.
Keep reading
A seasonal care calendar for Atlanta homes: questions
How often should I check the caulk around my tub or shower?
A quick look once a season is plenty. Press on the seam and check for cracks, gaps, peeling or dark spots. Caulk that has failed lets water into the wall or floor, where it can cause rot you cannot see. Replacing it is a small job, and it is far easier than repairing hidden water damage later.
What should I do if a pipe bursts during an ice storm?
Shut off the water at the main valve right away, then open a faucet to drain what is left in the line. Turn off electricity near any standing water if it is safe to reach the panel. Take photos, then contact a licensed plumber. Ask your insurer what your policy covers.
Do crawl-space homes need extra care in summer?
Yes. Humid summers can leave crawl spaces damp, and damp air can affect floors, insulation and pipes above. On a dry day, look for wet soil, standing water, sagging insulation and musty smells. Keep gutters clear so water moves away. If the space stays damp, ask a qualified provider to inspect it.
Get in touch
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