After a long, cold winter, spring’s bright sun and warm winds are, well, a breath of fresh air. The only downside? All that sunshine spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and the dead plants in last year’s flower beds.
You may know that you need to prepare your home for the winter months, but did you know you need to do the same in the spring? Maintaining your home in between each season is a sure way to keep it running smoothly and efficiently as well as keep it looking its best.
1. Check the gutters.
Before the heavy spring rain begins, check your gutters to make sure they are in good working condition and free from damage. You want them to be able to handle the downpours, so repair or replace as needed. Watch gutters during a rain to see that they are in fact carrying water down and away from the house.
2. Re-caulk windows.
Depending on how severe the winter was, you may need to re-caulk your windows. This will help keep cool air in and warm air out. It will also help your air conditioner run more efficiently. This is a simple task that you can do yourself and see great results.
3. Regrade the soil around your home.
Take the time to pack soil around the base of your home so that water runs down and out to the yard as opposed to puddling up at the base. Such puddling can cause damage to the home especially in the spring when rain is heavy.
4. Clean the air conditioner.
Call a professional out to clean the air conditioner before it needs to be used. This will help it run more efficiently as well as alert you to any signs of damage to the system.
5. Inspect concrete.
Take the time to inspect all of your concrete and fix any dangerous cracks or damage. Loose concrete, as well as heavy cracking can cause injury, so now is the time to address it and repair if needed.
6. Check outside water sources.
Check your hose and other outdoor water systems to make sure they are running well and no dry rot or winter damage has set in. After all, you will be using these outdoor faucets and water sources soon enough for your plants and gardens.
7. Replace outdoor lighting.
Now is the time to replace outdoor lighting such as porch lights and flood lights. Make sure all lighting is in good shape, that the wires are safe and sound, and that all bulbs have been replaced and are functioning.
8. Inspect the attic.
After a long winter, now is the time to inspect the attic. Look for any signs of rodents (chewing, bedding, holes) as well as mold. Address any rodent issues with traps and preventative measures, and clean any mold you may find. Consult an expert if either issue seems extreme.
9. Inspect the roof.
By all means don’t go on the roof and do this yourself! You can visually eye the roof and look for any immediate damage that the winter may have done. Then, call in a professional for a roof inspection. This is the best way to stop leaks or other big issues before they get bad.
10. Check for rotting wood.
Check around windows and door frames for any signs of soft or rotting wood. Replace and repair as needed. This will help keep pests at bay and also help seal up any drafts. Repairing damaged wood also offer proper support to your home.
Content Courtesy: Kate Femia
