We’ve finally entered spring and we are looking at our property. What damage was done during the winter that needs repair? Are there some tasks that need to be done sooner than later? Despite popular opinion, spring maintenance is not the same as spring cleaning, although we may need to do that as well. There are many more important home maintenance tasks that should be done in the spring.
Read on to see our list of important to-do’s so you can prioritize your chores and enjoy more time relaxing in the nice weather.
Examine your roof
Get up on a secure ladder and inspect your roof’s shingles. Check to see if any were lost, curled, cracked, buckled or loose. If so, you’ll need to replace them. While you’re up there, look at the flashing around things like plumbing vents, chimneys, or skylights. The flashing is designed to prevent leaks so if yours are damaged you’ll need to call a professional roofer. Finally, clean your roof. According to Home Advisor, a well-maintained roof lasts longer, and it keeps the market value of a house at its prime. A clean roof also improves energy efficiency and makes your home look more aesthetically pleasing.
Check your window and door screens
After the cold and windy winter, inspect your screens. Make sure they’re not flapping in the wind. Fasten them securely and check for holes. A good rule of thumb is if the hole is bigger than a quarter you should replace the screen or patch the hole. And don’t forget to review the hardware. Replace missing, worn or broken springs, clips, or latches.
Inspect the gutters
When gutters don’t work properly, this can lead to water leaking into your home. So, you’ll want to check for leaky or loose gutters. The best way to do this is by spraying your roof with a hose. If you find leaks, make sure to seal them. And if the gutter is loose or has come apart from the house, reinstall it immediately. You’ll also want to ensure downspouts face away from the foundation so they drain effectively. Also, make sure to remove debris and leaves from the gutters and downspouts.
Service the air conditioning unit
Hire a contractor to clean and service the outdoor part of your air conditioning unit. When your unit’s coils are clean, it will work at peak performance. Make sure to change your filters on a regular basis. Why? Because filters do more than keep out dust and pollen, which lower air quality. They’re also the critical defense against larger items such as loose insulation being pulled into the system. This is more than an air quality issue, as it could pose a fire risk or damage the system. Air filters that are clogged are the primary factor in HVAC system failure.
Look at the foundation
It’s important to inspect the concrete slabs that make up your foundation. Look for cracks and if you find any, make sure to fill them with concrete silicone caulk or concrete crack filler. If you can slide a nickel into a crack in the concrete, you should contact a foundation professional right away. Finally, it’s a good idea to power wash the concrete and then seal it.
Study decks and porches
We’ve all heard April showers bring May flowers. The rain is coming so don’t put off inspecting your decks and porches. Rain will damage any exposed wood so use a screwdriver to probe the wood. If there are any signs of deterioration, make repairs. Depending on the levels of rain and sun exposure, wooden decks and porches should be treated every four to six years. If you haven’t kept up with those treatments, it might be time to replace your deck or porch. Don’t spend significant amounts of money each year on repairs when it may be more cost effective to rebuild.
Now get out there in the sunlight, take a breath of fresh air, and start your spring home maintenance tasks today.