HOMEOWNERS’ SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS

HOMEOWNERS’
SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS

Finally, Spring is here, and we can look forward to enjoying sunshine and warmth.  Even though there might be a bit of confusion with Mother Nature as we see some snow and get a rather cold welcome to the new season we cannot wait until the temperatures go up to start with our deep spring cleaning to get our spaces alive and rejuvenated. Here are some things to consider before, or while planting your garden and arranging your outdoor furniture.

• Check and replace caulking around windows and doors which will help to reduce the energy consumption in your home and avoid long-term damage to windowsills and door jambs.
• This is also a great time to clean or replace your furnace filter, check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well as check dryer vents for lint build up.
• Look for cracks on the inside and outside walls where possible, which may have occurred over the winter and fix these promptly to prevent water damage to your house and content. The costs to repair a crack in the foundation wall could range from $1,000 – $5,000. More severe damage to the foundation could cost even more to repair.
• 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 home.
• Having your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can also help prevent damage from spring rains. Thoroughly cleaned and freely running downspouts will divert water away from the house and prevent water from collecting around your foundation.
• Inspect roof. Winter storms can take quite a toll on the roof. When spring arrives, start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. You can use binoculars or a camera or smartphone with zoom feature. Look for loose or missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing or anything that looks out of place or does not look right. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.
• Have your air conditioning unit inspected to ensure it is ready to keep you and the family cool during the warm summer months.
• 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. Before setting up your screens for the warm months ahead, be sure to carefully check each one and repair any holes or tears, no matter how small. You can find screen repair kits at most hardware and home improvement stores.
• 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.

•  Inspect driveways and paths. Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and other hardscaping materials. 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.
• Add compacted soil to low areas in your yard especially at the sections close to the foundation of your home to prevent flooding from melting snow and spring rain. Also, if water collects in these low areas, they may become an insect’s haven for breeding. The general rule of thumb is to provide a grade of 1/2 in. to 1 in. per foot for a minimum of 6 to 10 feet on all sides of the house.
• Inspect your raised garden beds to ensure they are still structurally sound and ready for you to start your planting.
• Add compost or manure to your soil. This will provide added nutrients for your plants.
• Inspect your garden tools for rust and cracks.
• Check lawnmower and other yard tools to ensure blades etc. are sharp and in good working order.
• Check sprinkler and irrigation systems. Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring can save water – and save your plants:
  • Run the system through all the zones manually and walk the property.
  • Make sure none of the heads are broken or damaged.
  • Adjust any heads that are spraying on the house, especially windows, as this can cause moisture problems.
  • Adjust heads that are spraying the street, sidewalk, or porches to avoid wasting water.
  • If you do not know how to maintain your sprinkler system, call a professional to do it. You will save money on your water bill and protect one of our most valuable natural resources.
• Check all outdoor faucets as well as gas line for BBQs.