Spring Cleaning
The sun is out, we’ve set our clocks forward, and the temperature is creeping up, which means it’s time to think about home maintenance tips for spring! Now that winter is in the rearview, you can assess your house to figure out what needs doing and get some maintenance done while soaking up that sweet, sweet sunshine.
On the Roof
Take a close look at your roof shingles to make sure none were damaged or lost entirely during the winter. Any shingles you see that are loose or cracked will need replacing. Also, keep in mind that the sun can make its mark on your shingles, so if your roof is getting on in age, it may be time to start thinking about the cost of a replacement. Take a look at the flashing around any chimneys, skylights, or vents to be sure they don’t need replacing. Stay safe by hiring a professional roof inspector if your roof is too high to inspect safely on your own.
While you’re on the roof, clean out your gutters to make sure your home is protected from water damage. Make sure that downspouts aren’t directed towards the foundation of your home and check for leaks or loose gutters.
Keep it Cool
One very important step to getting home maintenance for spring completed is to make sure your home is optimized to stay cool as the weather heat up. Start by checking the seals around your windows and doors, as the cool weather and high winds of winter can loosen or crack them. Repairing these now will make sure your summer cooling costs stay low and keep your interior protected from rain. For wood trim, take a screwdriver and check around your windows and doors. Don’t forget to take a look at railings and decks as well, so that those April showers don’t damage any wood that is exposed to the elements.
Having your AC Unit conk out during a heatwave would not be a pleasant surprise. It’s always a good idea to complete an annual check of your home cooling system. Make sure your interior filters have been regularly maintained. A unit with clean coils will work more efficiently and keep your unit operating at peak performance. Heating and cooling technicians can make sure your unit is well serviced and ready to keep your home cool when the heat rolls in.
Landscaping
To keep your yard and surrounding areas spring ready, make sure to use compacted soil in the lower areas found in your yard or around your foundation. Without compacted soil, heavy rain can damage your foundation and yard, and if it pools in low areas can also draw in insects to breed, making your yard far less enjoyable. Could it be time for an external remodel of your home?
Any concrete slabs need to be checked for cracks, and if you find any, seal them up with caulk or a concrete crack repair product. Also, check to make sure they drain away from the foundation to protect your home.
Finally, take a look at your hose to make sure no freeze damage occurred by placing your finger over the opening and tuning the water on. If doing so stops the water flow from the faucet, you’ve got a pipe in your home that needs checking.
With all your maintenance completed, you can head into the spring and summer months confident that your home is operating at peak performance! Enjoy the sunshine from your beautiful yard and cool off in your well-protected home.
