Winter has come and gone, and summer is here at last. Today in Part I of our winter-survivor series, we deal with an exterior check-up. After months of your home enduring the elements, a full exterior inspection is needed to reveal any and all maintenance needs -- those current, and those in the near future. Start at the top, as the roof usually gets the most wear and tear. Look for bent, broken or missing shingles resulting from repeated freezing and high winds. Also look for aging, in the form of curling or wear. Inspect flashings for signs of leaks or damage around chimneys and roof penetrations. Then check gutters for excessive roofing granules. Clear out debris before checking for leaks. A safe way to inspect your roof is with binoculars. If in doubt, have a professional check it. Tomorrow in Part II of winter survivor, you'll learn how to outfit, outwit, outlast and survive by correcting problems before painting. And that's the On The House tip for today.