Spring is a good time to get outside and tackle some home projects. With the passing of another harsh winter, you can look for damage and make any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
After the last frost has passed, it is important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, and that can invite all kinds of critters into your attic space.
Having your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can also help prevent damage from spring rains.
Reseal Exterior Woodwork
Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they are stained or resealed every year or two. Take this opportunity to make any needed repairs to woodwork as well.
Check for Signs of Termites
Termites swarm in the spring. Beginning in March and going through May or even June, be on the lookout for these winged insects. Call a licensed professional pest control company. You’ll save money and trouble in the long run.
Inspect the Roof
Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during the past winter. When spring arrives, start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. Look for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing, or anything that simply does not look right. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.
The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced.
Paint the Exterior
Spring is a good time to if you are planning to repaint your home’s exterior.
You will want to choose a stretch of time to paint where rain is not in the forecast. If you paint too quickly after rainfall, your siding may still need to dry out, leading to uneven coverage of paint. And
you do not want your home to be bombarded with rain shortly after you paint while it is still curing.
Inspect Driveways and Paths
Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete and asphalt. Take a walk around your property to look for damage to walkways, paths, and driveways, and schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely.
Check Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems
Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring can save water and save your plants.
Give your sprinklers a test run. Keep an eye out for leaks and malfunctioning sprinkler heads. Make sure the sprinklers are watering your grass and not porches or sidewalks.
Prevent Mosquitoes
The best way to prevent mosquitos around your home is simply by getting rid of any standing water. Walk around your property. If you see anything or any area where water stands, fix it, tip it, get rid of it, or maintain it regularly. Standing water is a breeding ground for many inspects, including mosquitos.
You can also help prevent or lower the number of mosquitos by planting some local plants, such as Basil, Bee Balm, Lavender, Marigolds, and Peppermint. These natural plant remedies are a lot less harmful then the chemicals in commercial bug sprays and make your yard and garden look very pretty.
Check Screen Doors and Windows
Screens are designed to let the breeze flow in and keep bugs out — but they can only do their job if they are free from holes and tears. To fix a small hole in a window or door screen, dab clear household cement over the hole with a toothpick. If the screens are plastic, test the cement on a scrap to make sure it will not melt the material. Use the same technique to repair screen tears. Pull the two halves of the tear together and hold them in place with masking tape on one side. Apply the household cement to the tear, then smooth with a putty knife. When it is dry, gently remove the tape and apply cement to the other side.
Schedule Air-conditioning Service
Remove debris from around the unit, replace filters and clean ducts and vents. If your filters are clogged, air cannot easily pass through and your unit must work harder to cool your home. Clogged filters can lead to lower air quality in your home. This step may be able to help you low your energy consumption by up to 15%.
You can also schedule a professional tune-up. An expert AC technician can check your system’s efficiency, check coolant levels, and address any issues before the summer heat arrives.
Spring Cleaning Conclusion
There are numerous other tasks you will likely undertake throughout the spring to get your home in tip-top shape for the summer months. The above spring home maintenance tips are simply suggestions on how to get started—as many of them involve close and careful inspections that often lead to other improvement and repair projects.
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