Spring Has Arrived… And Your House Has Concerns

The Most Common Exterior Problems Showing Up in Home Inspections This Time of Year (SPRING)

Top Exterior Problems Found in Home Inspections: Address Landscaping Issues, Remove Dead Tree Limbs, Clear Debris in Gutters, Repair Cracked Driveways, Fix Damaged Siding, Ensure Safe Electrical Lines, Seal Window and Door Trim, Correct Grading and Drainage, Control Roof Moss, and Secure Deck Components.

Spring in the Midwest is a magical season.

The birds come back. The grass turns green. Everyone suddenly remembers they own a rake.

And home inspectors everywhere begin discovering what winter quietly destroyed.

As a home inspector with Midwest Inspect, spring inspections are basically a yearly treasure hunt of:

• moisture damage,

• cracked concrete,

• overgrown landscaping,

• and gutters growing their own ecosystems.

Winter is hard on homes in Illinois and the Midwest. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, moisture, and wind spend months testing every weak spot your house has.

And spring? Spring reveals the truth.

Here are some of the most common exterior issues I’m documenting in inspection reports this time of year.

1. Landscaping Gone Wild

“Jurassic Shrubbery”

Plants touching the house might look cozy…

But your siding disagrees.

Overgrown vegetation can:

• trap moisture,

• damage siding,

• block drainage,

• invite insects and rodents,

• and prevent proper exterior inspections.

Bushes packed tightly against the home create the perfect environment for:🦠 moisture🐜 pests🪵 wood rot

And every inspector has had the experience of trying to inspect siding while battling a bush that clearly wants revenge.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Your landscaping should frame the home — not consume it.

2. Dead Tree Limbs

Also Known as “Widow Makers”

Nothing says “surprise home repair” like a 400-pound tree branch hanging over your roof with pure bad intentions.

Winter storms weaken limbs all the time, and spring winds finish the job.

Dead or damaged limbs can:

• fall onto roofs,

• damage siding,

• destroy gutters,

• damage vehicles,

• or injure people.

If it looks dead, cracked, hanging, or suspiciously dramatic…it probably deserves attention.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Trees are beautiful… until gravity gets involved.

3. Gutters Full of Debris

Nature’s Worst Soup

Leaves. Twigs. Seed pods. Roof granules.

At some point your gutters stop being gutters and become:

elevated compost bins.

Clogged gutters can cause:

• overflow,

• fascia damage,

• foundation moisture issues,

• basement seepage,

• ice dam damage,

• and siding deterioration.

And yes…I’ve absolutely found small trees attempting to establish residency inside gutters.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

If plants are growing in your gutters, congratulations — you own hanging gardens.

4. Cracked & Spalling Concrete

Midwest Freeze-Thaw Championship Damage

Concrete in the Midwest goes through:

• freezing,

• thawing,

• refreezing,

• snow removal,

• salt exposure,

• and years of abuse.

Eventually it fights back.

Common spring findings include:

• settlement cracks,

• trip hazards,

• spalling surfaces,

• sinking sidewalks,

• deteriorated porches,

• and driveways that resemble tectonic plate movement.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Concrete doesn’t heal itself. Unfortunately.

5. Damaged Siding

Woodpeckers, Moisture & Midwest Chaos

Spring inspections commonly reveal siding damage from:

• moisture,

• age,

• storms,

• pests,

• lawn equipment,

• and surprisingly aggressive woodpeckers.

Yes. Woodpeckers.

Those tiny birds somehow sound like they’re remodeling the house with power tools.

Common issues include:

• cracked vinyl siding,

• loose panels,

• wood rot,

• insect damage,

• holes from birds,

• and moisture deterioration.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

If wildlife is living in your siding, the inspection just got more expensive.

6. Electrical Service Lines Touching Trees

Nature vs Electricity

Overhead electrical lines and tree branches should not be best friends.

Branches contacting service lines can:

• damage wiring,

• create fire hazards,

• cause outages,

• or energize tree limbs in dangerous situations.

Spring growth makes this issue even more common.

And if your electrical line disappears into a maple tree like jungle vines…it’s time to call a professional.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Electricity and trees should maintain a healthy long-distance relationship.

7. Window & Door Trim Water Damage

The Silent Rot Zone

Trim damage is incredibly common after Midwest winters.

Peeling paint, soft wood, swollen trim, and caulking failures often point to:💧 moisture intrusion.

Left untreated, water damage can spread into:

• framing,

• sheathing,

• insulation,

• and interior finishes.

And remember: Paint can hide damage surprisingly well.

For about six months.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

If your trim feels soft, squishy, or “mushy”… that’s not a design feature.

8. Negative Grading & Poor Drainage

Water Always Wins

One of the biggest spring inspection issues?

Water draining toward the home instead of away from it.

Poor grading can contribute to:

• basement seepage,

• foundation settlement,

• crawlspace moisture,

• mold concerns,

• and exterior deterioration.

And after snowmelt and spring rain…these problems become very obvious.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Your yard should drain away from the house — not funnel water directly into it like a lazy river.

9. Roof Moss & Algae Growth

The Green Fuzzy Warning Sign

Spring moisture creates the perfect environment for moss and algae growth on roofs.

While it may look “cabin cozy”…moss can:

• trap moisture,

• shorten roof life,

• damage shingles,

• and accelerate deterioration.

North-facing roof slopes are especially common trouble spots.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

Your roof should not resemble a chia pet.

10. Loose or Damaged Deck Components

Backyard Season Is Coming…

Spring is when homeowners rediscover decks.

Unfortunately, inspectors also rediscover:

• loose railings,

• rotted boards,

• failing ledger boards,

• unsafe stairs,

• and questionable DIY repairs.

And nothing ruins barbecue season faster than someone stepping through a deck board holding a plate of burgers.

Midwest Inspector Translation:

If the deck bounces like a trampoline… that’s concerning.

Final Thoughts

Spring is one of the best times to catch exterior problems before they become major repairs.

Small issues now can turn into:💰 expensive structural repairs💧 moisture intrusion🪵 wood rot⚡ safety hazards

By staying proactive, homeowners can protect:

• their investment,

• their safety,

• and their sanity.

Because in the Midwest…

Winter always leaves behind a little “surprise package.”

Inspect Today. Protect Tomorrow.

— Sean Evans, CPI

Founder of Midwest Inspect