Home Maintenance Tips for Spring
Isn’t it funny how all winter long, you can look forward to spring? You know, getting outside without a coat, sitting out on the porch listening to the frogs, sipping sweet tea and watching your kids play?
That’s the picture our minds paint, anyway. But when the grass starts coming up, all you can see is the maintenance you didn’t get to in the fall. Although it can seem like a lot, all it takes is a bit of concerted effort and a plan. Here’s a great checklist for spring maintenance from our Northern VA roof contractors.
- Address any drainage issues. This might mean filling in low-lying areas where water pools, installing drain extenders to direct downspouts away from the house, or grading the foundation so the it slopes away from the walls. You’ll want to tackle this job before the spring deluges hit.
- Clean up the debris that winter left. No matter how diligent you were about raking and bagging leaves, you probably had quite a few blow in over the winter. The trees probably shed a few dead branches as well, and litter is proliferating in sheltered corners. Frustrating as it is to see all this work appear before you’ve even had a chance to pull out the lawn furniture, it’s got to be cleaned up before you can really enjoy your yard and hardscapes. Put some peppy music on the iPod and pull out a big garbage bag. You can probably get the job done in less than half an hour.
- Prep the garden equipment. Most of the stuff you use outside has been sitting for 6 months and could use a going over. Oil and sharpen any cutting implements. Change the oil on the mower. Rather than waiting until you need a given tool, do all this fiddly little preparation and maintenance for a couple of afternoons and then it’s out of the way for the season.
- Check over the exterior of your house thoroughly to find problems and address them early. For instance, look at cement pads for signs of cracking and sliding. Probe the trim around doors and windows to make sure it’s sound. Hire a plumbing expert to check faucets. Move firewood at least two feet away from the house to avoid harboring damaging insects. If you find any problems, make a note of it and start researching a contractor to come in and fix it. For instance, if you notice moss growing on a shady part of your roof, you can call Style Roofing to come out and inspect the issue for you.
Spring is a great time to give your home a little TLC and prepare it for the warmer months ahead. Here are some additional home maintenance tips for spring:
- Check your roof for any damage or leaks that may have occurred during the winter months. Repair any issues before they turn into bigger problems.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure that they are clear of debris and can properly drain rainwater away from your home.
- Inspect your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps that may have developed over the winter. Replace any damaged weatherstripping or caulking to help keep your home energy-efficient.
- Service your air conditioning unit by cleaning or replacing the filter and clearing any debris from around the outdoor unit.
- Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly. Replace batteries as needed.
- Check your outdoor hoses and faucets for any leaks or damage. Replace any damaged hoses and repair any leaks.
- Give your lawn and landscaping some attention by fertilizing, aerating, and pruning as needed.
- Clean your outdoor furniture and grill, and make any necessary repairs.
- Inspect your chimney for any damage or blockages that may have occurred during the winter months.
- Clean and organize your garage or storage areas, and dispose of any hazardous materials safely.
By following these spring home maintenance tips, you can help keep your home in good condition and avoid any unexpected problems.
Being just a little proactive in the spring will protect your investment in your home, and reduce the chores you have to do when it really gets hot. Do yourself a favor and get this checklist done as soon as possible.
