Keeping up with home maintenance doesn’t have to be an overwhelming chore. For most of us, our home is our biggest investment, so home maintenance is a must. Our 12 spring home maintenance tips will help you maintain your home and keep it running like a well-oiled machine.
1. Examine Roof Shingles
Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose, or are missing granules need to be replaced. Any roof damage can result in major problems with a rainstorm. If you notice any faulty shingles or areas of concern, consult a roofing professional to repair them.
2. Probe the Wood Trim
Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
3. Check the Gutters
Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris that accumulated throughout the winter.
4. Use Compacted Soil
Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
5. Examine the Chimney
Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
6. Inspect the Concrete
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs, except pool decks, should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
7. Check Outside Faucets
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
8. Service the AC Unit
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters regularly.
9. Check Power Equipment
Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard-work easier.
10. Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
The general rule is to replace the battery in your smoke detector twice a year. When switching to daylight savings time, and when switching back to daylight standard time.
11. Get Some Fresh Air
Check all of the screens around your house for any damage that occurred over the winter and replace or repair them as necessary. If they accumulated a lot of dirt or dust you can remove them, wash them with some soap and water, and gently rinse them with a garden hose.
12. Seal Any Access Around Your Home
In the springtime, animals come out of hibernation and look for nesting areas. Check any exterior accesses that could lead into your attic or crawl-space area beneath your home. Animals can cause havoc if they find a way in resulting in damage to insulation and wiring.
Keeping up with home maintenance can help eliminate emergencies and help decrease the chances of disasters happening later in the season. Check out our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for an indoor and outdoor breakdown of home maintenance tips for spring. Please contact us if you have any questions.
