Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring is finally here! The snow is melting, and the days are longer. It is a season that gives you an opportunity to refresh, renew, and renovate your home. After sustaining months of harsh cold weather, there is likely to be some wear and tear that needs to be fixed. You will also have to get this fixed so your home can sustain the warm weather ahead. Here is a spring home maintenance checklist to help you keep your home safe and clean.
Inspection and Cleaning of Roof
Winter is a harsh time for any property. It can cause the accumulation of snow and ice dams, and high winds can lead to shingle damage or hidden leaks. Perform an inspection of the rooftop and check for any damaged shingles. Then, you will have to look for accumulation of debris or growth of moss and algae. Also, examine the flashing around the chimney and vents.
If you are not able to climb ladders or want some help, you can also hire professional roof cleaners who will do the job for you. A clean roof always lasts longer.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are often clogged with dry leaves or debris, especially if your home has trees surrounding it. If you do not check up on this regularly, it can lead to accumulation of water, which can damage your roof, wall, and even the foundation of your property. Here is what you need to do: remove all the gunk and leaves and rinse the gutter with a hose. Additionally, you must also ensure that the downspouts point away from your home.
If you are looking for some help, then professional gutter installers are also available for hire who can perform cleaning and maintenance services of gutters.
Check for Water Leakage or Damage.
Melting snow or spring showers can cause water to accumulate around your property. First off, start by inspecting the attic and basement for any signs of moisture. Water stains on walls and ceilings usually mean there is an accumulation of water somewhere. Also, check the sump pumps to ensure they are working properly. Early identification of any problem can help you save on major repairs later.
Clean the Windows
Cleaning the windows can help lighten up your home and also help improve energy efficiency. Wash both interior and exterior window panes and check for any damage to the seals or caulking. You must also replace any torn screens around the house. Plus, letting in that natural light is always good for your health.
Check the Exterior Walls.
Your inspection must not be limited to internal checks only. You must look for external checks, too. For this, you need to check the foundation for any signs of pests, cracks, or holes. If found, you need to seal the gaps and then touch up the paint. If your property is located in an area with heavy snowfall, you will have to check for signs of mold and mildew as well.
Clean your HVAC System.
Before summer arrives and the temperature soars, make sure your air conditioning system is good to go. For this, you must change the air filters and then clean the air vents and ducts. If required, you can also get professional help for this purpose. Regular maintenance of the HVAC system helps it to run efficiently and also reduces energy bills.
Landscape
Now that winter is gone and spring is here, you must fix your lawn and garden too. Rake all the dead leaves and twigs and fertilize your lawn. Maintain the old trees and bushes by pruning them, and add some new ones to freshen up the landscape.
Inspect the Driveway
Driveways and walkways can loosen up, which can be a safety hazard for you and your family. If you observe any cracks, you will have to repair the cracks and then fill in the gaps. In case you notice uneven surfaces, you will have to relevel them as well. Sweep off the debris or power wash the entire driveway and walkway.
Test Smoke Detectors
Spring also gives you some time to test out the alarms and change the batteries. To test out the detectors, you must press ‘test’ on every device. If the detectors are more than 10 years old, then you will have to replace them. Professional services are also available that can do the job on your behalf.
Conclusion
Home maintenance in spring may not sound exciting, but it is very important. You can make it fun by involving your family and kids to help you out. Assign them age-appropriate tasks and get more work done in less time. Remember, a little effort right now will help you save a lot of cost on home maintenance later.
