Spring Into Home Maintenance

With the cold days of winter slowly but surely dwindling, it’s time for homeowners to begin to come out of hibernation.

So much effort goes into home ownership and the maintenance that it entails. Winter can bring in with it some harsh conditions that absolutely wreak havoc on your home. Gutters can get clogged with debris. Winter storms can damage the roof, unbeknownst to you. Freezing weather can cause the caulk around your windows to harden and crack, letting outdoor conditions in and damaging the windows themselves. Things that were never on your radar before are suddenly problems you need to get ahead of.

All this to say, when Spring begins to roll in, it’s time to get to work. If you aren’t sure where to start or what to check, we are here to help. 
 

1. CHECK YOUR GUTTERS

If you’re looking for maintenance advice on your home, 9 out of 10 times the list begins with checking your gutters. It’s no different in this one-- for good reason! Besides your roof, your gutters are your first line of defense against debris, water, and possible foundation damage. To get ready for spring showers, clear debris (like leaves and twigs) from your gutters and inspect them for damage, wear, and sagging. Pay special attention to areas with rust, cracks, or holes. If possible, scrub away rust and repair damage.

2. INSPECT THE ROOF

While you’re checking out your gutters, go ahead and take a thorough look at your roof. Check for any missing shingles or visible damage, whether it be from winter storms or a pest infestation of some sort. Birds, rodents, and other insects are known to use the roof as an entry point to find warmth and shelter. They can not only cause damage to the roof, but it will be a bigger problem for you in the long run if they make their home in YOUR home. For your own peace of mind, don’t leave it up to chance. Check early!

3. WASH YOUR HOME

Snow may not stay very long on your home, but there will definitely be evidence that it was there. Grime, mold, mildew, and dirt are likely to get left behind with the melting snow. It can leave your house looking unkempt and grody. Hire a professional team or rent a pressure washer yourself to remove the dirt and freshen up the cosmetics of the home. It will give you a *literal* clean slate for the warmer months ahead.

4. SCHEDULE HVAC SERVICE & REPLACE FILTERS

Every summer now is getting hotter than the last. Making sure that your air conditioning unit is in proper working form before the weather starts heating up is imperative. Make sure that all filters are changed out if necessary. You are able to do that yourself! Schedule a professional to then come out and inspect both your heating and cooling units. They can do tune ups, flush the lines, and make sure that key components like the motor and condenser are working as they should. They can also clean the ducts and condenser coils and repair any other damage that they find. It’s a small price to pay for the assurance that your A/C won’t be going out on the hottest day of the year!

5. TEST IRRIGATION SYSTEM

A leaky hose can add up quickly, especially if you aren’t aware of any problems. Before you start to get into lawn care for the season, turn on the water to your outdoor hose and check for any leaks or cracks. If your home has a sprinkler system, turn on manually to test the area it encompasses and how well it is working. Make sure that no water is leaking onto the pavement or walkways and check for any possible dry spots.

6. CONFIRM INTACT CAULKING AND SEALING

Leaks in your hose aren’t the only ones to worry about. The winter cold can cause caulking to harden around your windows, leading to possible cracks for air to enter and escape through. You don’t want your warm air to escape in the winter, and you definitely don’t want to let it inside during the summer. Examine your windows closely so that you can repair any cracks or damage before it becomes a bigger problem for you.

This is not an exhaustive list of everything that you need to do, but it’s a good start to get you going. Problems will always be popping up with homeownership, big and small, but you can keep most of them at bay with proper maintenance.

Take it from us and save yourself, and your wallet, the possible future trouble.