Spring is quickly approaching. This means another change in the weather and climate. With that change comes the need for maintenance and preparation.
You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but even more important than cleaning is home maintenance. So, to help you prepare for the change in climate, here is our spring maintenance checklist.
Roof Maintenance
Your roof needs to be inspected at least once a year, and the turn of winter to spring is a perfect time. You should also assess your roof after major storms.
Shingles
✓ Gutters — They say April showers bring May flowers. And with the heavy rain, your gutters need to be prepared. First, remove all buildup from your gutters and downspouts. Then check for any cracks or dents in their surfaces. Make sure all areas are securely fastened to your roofline, and check the surrounding ground for fallen screws.
✓ Chimney, Skylights, and Vents — Inspect chimneys (especially brick) for cracks or missing mortar. Have mortar replaced immediately if missing. Caulk around the flashing on all chimneys, skylights, and vents.
✓ Slope Connections — Where the roof pitches converge is the perfect place for debris to catch and build up. Make sure to spend extra time clearing these areas as well as ensuring shingles are fastened, as water runoff meets in these spaces.
Siding Maintenance
Equally as important as your roof for home maintenance, your siding will need proper preparation for spring.
Siding
✓ Windows — Clean and inspect your windows. Use a mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar (mix in a few drops of dish soap for added cleaning) to remove dust and smudges. Remove old caulk around the frame, and replace it for added insulation. Look for cracks in the frame and condensation between panes. These can be signs that you should consider new windows.
✓ Doors — Check all doors and frames for cracks, holes, or peeling paint. Sand areas where the paint is peeling, and repaint those sections. Call a professional if your door has serious damage. Clean and patch all screens, or replace the screens altogether. (This goes for the windows as well.)
✓ Foundation — Walk your exterior and check for any cracks in the portions of the foundation you can see. If a crack is large enough to fit a nickel, you should contact a professional immediately.
Yard/Lawn/Outdoor Living Maintenance
Come spring, you’ll want to begin preparing your outdoor spaces for a new life, growth, and more entertainment.
Decks and Patio Cleaning
✓ Yard Preparation — Spring is when things begin to turn green again and grow. Prepare your yard by removing all fallen debris from winter. Trim shrubs and bushes at least a foot away from all siding (if any major growth has occurred during winter).
✓ Lawn — Once spring temperatures are in the high 50s, fertilize your lawn and reseed patchy areas. Turn on your sprinklers. Make sure they are spraying in the proper directions and seem to be functioning properly. You should also tune-up and clean your mower.
✓ Driveway and Sidewalks — Check your sidewalks and driveway for cracks or holes. Seek the help of a professional if you notice any major issues of concern.
✓ Garden Beds — If you are a gardener, now is the time to begin cleaning out your beds for the planting season. Remove all dead plants, and blend a mixture of fresh compost into the soil.
✓ Pools and Fountains — Remove fallen leaves from all water sources, and clean the sides of algae or moss. Perform a shock treatment on your pool to get it ready for use.
Interior Maintenance
While exterior maintenance is essential for the overall protection of your home, you will want to inspect and maintain a few interior items as well.
Pipes and Leaks
✓ Air Conditioner — As the weather starts to heat up, spring is the perfect time to tune-up your air conditioner. Replace all filters and inspect the belt tension. If you notice any damaged or broken belts, have them replaced. Check the refrigerant levels, and make sure your hoses do not have any leaks.
✓ Attic — You can also inspect your roof from within your attic. Check for any leaks or light making its way through your ceiling. Inspect the attic itself for proper insulation, which will help maintain the temperature of your home during the changing weather.
✓ Fire Detectors — Replace the batteries in all of your smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are properly working.
Give your Home the Best with a Professional Inspection
The professionals at American Home Contractors can inspect the exterior of your home and perform any necessary repairs for the damage brought on by winter. Our team desires to help make your transition to spring easy and headache-free. Request a quote to see how we can help with all of your exterior home improvement needs.