Spring Homeowner Maintenance Checklist

Spring has arrived with its longer days and beautiful weather. It’s time to be able to start enjoying the outdoors. If you’re a homeowner, then you might be doing some spring cleaning and prepping your garden. We wanted to put together a 7-point spring home maintenance list to also keep in mind for the well-being of your home.

1. Check for winter storm damage

Passing winter storms and cold weather can cause damages that will need repairs. Preparing your home for winter in the fall will help keep these to a minimum.  Look for damage from any snow or ice around your entire home that could have been caused by snow, melting ice, or fallen tree limbs. Be sure to check your roof for missing or loose roof shingles, the exterior walls of your home, the foundation, and septic.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

Spring and fall are the two times a year you want to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and clear of clogs. Clogged gutters can be the start of costly water damage to your home that will progressively get worse if ignored. If your gutters are sagging this can be a sign that water damage has already reached your fascia board or the wood behind your gutters. Climbing on a latter can be dangers so ensure you do it safely or hire a professional.  For a more maintenance free home consider having gutter protection installed with a free quote for worry-free gutters.      

3. Check and take preventive measures for any insect infestations

Check all dark, damp, and warm areas of your home for Termites, they are small winged insects in groups. They feed on wood and do a great deal of damage to a house if not stopped right away. Wholes or tracks in wood can also be a sign of Termites. Spring is also the time to take precautions to prevent Mosquitoes from breeding around your home. Check and eliminate any standing water around your yard. Even the smallest amount can be a breeding ground for Mosquito larvae to grow. This can also happen in your gutters and another reason to make sure your gutters are clear.

4. Seal or reseal exterior wood.

Keep the wood on the outside of your home looking good and protected by sealing anything new and resealing them every year or two. This includes decks, columns, fences, and pergolas. This would also be the best time to make any repairs and that the wood is clean and ready to be stained and waterproofed. If you’re looking for a maintenance free home consider getting a composite wood decking. They are more expensive than wood but over time make up for the cost by never having to seal, stain, or replace.

5. Service Air-Conditioning

It’s always a good idea to have a professional come and check your air-conditioning before the summer heat hits and heater before winter. If you are doing it yourself make sure the power is off before cleaning the fans or coils. Replace your filters to prevent breathing in fungi and bacteria that may have grown on the old ones. It is also a good time to clean out your air ducts.  

6. Check windows for leaks

Prevent costly air leaks by checking your windows and seals for leaks before you start the summer air conditioning. If you have old-single paned windows you should consider getting estimates for energy efficient windows that will save you money on energy bills in the long run and make your home more comfortable in the summer and winter time. One way to check for leaks is holding a candle or smoke around the window seal.

7. Check your water sprinklers and Hoses

If your home has a sprinkler system it is important to open the main water valve slowly to allow water in gradually and not put to much pressure on the main lines. Check the control panel for each station and activating all zones.