Let’s Talk About Spring!
Now that the snow is melting, the sun is coming out, and we are starting to see our yards again; let’s talk about Spring! Many of you may be ready for the bright sun and warm weather. So is your home. It just spent a long cold winter keeping you warm and dry. Now it’s time to repay the favor and show your home some love.
Here are some target maintenance areas that can help you avoid bigger repairs bills later and leave you more time to go outside and play in the sun!
Roof
Your roof is your homes first line of defense against water damage. And it took on a lot of water over the winter months. Take a minute to make a visual examination of your roof (don’t forget to be safe, use binoculars form the ground, a ladder at the eaves, or even your smart phone camera zoom). Look to see if there were any areas of your roof that were lost or damaged over winter. If you had significant ice dams at your eaves, look for damage at those areas. Take a look at your metal flashing or plumbing vents for anything that just doesn’t look right. Hire a professional to take care of these small maintenance items now so that they do not become larger issues or leaks in the future.
Gutters
Now that the last frost has past, it is important to have your gutters cleaned and repaired as needed. Cleaning your gutters early can help prevent damage from all the Spring rains. Look for any loose or leaking gutters. Be sure that none of your gutters are clogged as clogged gutters can lead to wood deterioration at your eaves from excess moisture. Smoothly flowing gutters divert water away from your home and keep it away from your foundation so it cannot create a larger issue down the road.
Windows & Screens
Check your screens for any holes and tears. No matter how minor a tear, the bugs can find their way in. If you feel like getting all soapy, give them a bath. Your window screens have spent all winter getting dirty. This will allow you to have your windows open during the cool breeze temperatures. Not only can this help reduce your energy costs but it is enjoyable to invite fresh air into your home.
Exterior Repair
Are you seeing the theme? The exterior of your home took a beating over winter. Give it some love. Look for any areas that were damaged around your siding. Is there any peeling paint? Has your caulking dried and cracked? Did you have wood stacked against your house? Take the time to repair these small maintenance items so your home can continue to keep you warm and dry over time.
Walkways & Decks
Freezing and thawing temperatures can be rough on your hardscapes. Do you have any new cracks or deterioration? Have any of your hardscapes settled? Seal up any cracks and make sure they are still draining water away from your foundation.
Do you have a deck? Exterior wood structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. This is also a good opportunity to make any needed repairs.
Hose Bibs & Sprinklers
Hose bibs and pipes can freeze over the winter, especially if they have not been winterized. If the water is not on, turn it on and test your hose bibs. Place your thumb over the faucet opening. If you can stop the water it is likely that the pipe inside your home is damaged.
If you have a sprinkler system, now’s is the time to test it. Checking this system in the Spring can save you water and save your plants! Run all zones and look for any broken or damaged sprinkler heads. And adjust any heads that may be spraying the house or sidewalks.
A/C Clean Up & Filters
While you are still outside, trim back any trees or vegetation that may be growing around you’re A/C condensing unit. Be sure that your coils are clean and free of any debris. To work efficiently, the compressor needs good airflow. Your furnace most likely was working hard over these cold winter months and needs a new air filter. To prolong the life of your system it is a good idea to have a qualified HVAC technician service the unit before the hot summer months.
Dryer Vent Clean Out
Since you are giving your home a fresh start after winter it is a good idea to clean out your dryer vent. Not all lint gets stopped by the lint trap in your machine. Some can make its way through the vent and can build up over time. Ensuring this vent is clean can not only reduce the amount of time your dryer has to run but can also prevent a fire starting from your lint build up.
Water Heater Maintenance
Many people are not aware that sediment can build up in their water heater tanks. You can use the spigot at the bottom of the unit to drain the system along with any sediment build up. This can help prolong the life of your unit.
Smoke Detector Batteries
Now is as good a time as any to test the smoke alarms and CO detectors throughout your home. Change out any batteries that may be dead. You never know when you may need them and its a good way to prepare for our smokey summers.