Months of harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on the home. As spring begins to blossom, there are steps you can take to check your home for any potential issues or damage. Spring is an excellent time for homeowners to take care of their seasonal home maintenance tasks to ensure their home is in the best shape for enjoying the warmer months.
After months of harsh, cold weather, you’ll want to check on the various parts of your home for any issues or damage that may have developed. For homeowners, this is an excellent time to take care of your seasonal home maintenance tasks to make sure your home is in top shape so that you can enjoy Spring to the fullest!
Here are some home maintenance tasks to complete to get your home ready for Spring:
1. Check Your Roof
Start at the top and survey your roof for any signs of damage or misalignment. In most cases, you should be able to view your roof well enough from ground level using a pair of binoculars or your smartphone’s camera zoom feature to get a better look without needing to walk your roof. Look for shingles that are misaligned, damaged, or missing. These will require replacement to keep your roof in peak performance.A roofer can provide guidance and complete the necessary repairs to your roof.
2. Clean Out Your Gutters
Though an infamous task among homeowners, keeping your gutters clear and effectively draining can help you avoid developing more significant and costly issues. Homeowners should plan to clean out their gutter system at least twice a year, commonly in the Spring and the Fall. There are several ways to tackle cleaning your gutter system. If you choose to use your ladder, you can get another vantage point to check for any other potential issues on your roof while you are up there.
3. Check the Exterior
Walk around the outside of your home to look for any trouble spots on your home’s exterior. Much like the roof, homeowners will want to address any damages or defects that they discover to ensure that your home is protected from pests, debris, and water. For example, any water stains could mean your gutter system is not working properly and requires further cleaning or repairs.
4. Clean and Seal Your Deck
Start by checking your deck for any signs of damage or rot. If your deck is five years old or older, you may want to hire a professional home inspector to assess the deck’s condition and highlight any potential issues. After confirming that your deck is in good shape, you will want to clean and seal it to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. It is recommended to complete this yearly, though it may vary depending on your region’s climate.
5. Inspect Concrete and Driveways for Damage
There’s always a chance of cracks forming in concrete with the freezing and subsequent thawing that comes with winter weather. It’s crucial to check the concrete, asphalt, and any other hardscaping features around your property for signs of cracking or movement. Minor cracking can be repaired with silicone caulk or concrete fillers, but more severe damage may require a complete replacement.
6. Check the Attic and Foundation
Check your attic and basement for signs of anything unusual. You will be looking for any signs of water intrusion or leaking in both spaces. Water intrusion in the home can quickly lead to a host of health risks. If your basement has any odd smells, there is a good chance of mold or mildew growth mold or mildew growth due to moisture and should be addressed as soon as possible.
7. Replace Air Filter and Get AC Serviced
Your air filter should be replaced every three months (or seasonally) to make sure it is operating effectively. Hire a licensed professional to service your AC unit to ensure it is working efficiently or recommend any repairs needed to maintain the unit.
8. Prepare Your Windows
If you have storm windows installed, now is the time to swap out the screens for the warm months ahead. This task provides an excellent opportunity to clean the windows on the interior and exterior. If you have left your screens in over the winter, check for any rips or tears and seal them up. Check on the caulking around each window. If there is apparent cracking, it might be time to recaulk them to improve your home’s insulation.
9. Prepare Your Equipment
Tune-up your warm-weather equipment by sharpening tools, charging batteries, lubricating moving parts, and replacing old gas in machinery at the start of the season to secure they are ready for use.
Wrapping Up
Homeowners who get an early jump on seasonal home maintenance ensure that their home will be prepared for the coming months, paving the way for an easy, breezy spring and summer.
