Spring Home Maintenance 101
Springtime is one of those times of year when most of us just want to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. But before you run off and enjoy the great outdoors, it’s a good idea to kick out the dust bunnies and give your home a good spring cleaning. A good spring cleaning is more than just sweeping from out under the rugs and reorganizing your kitchen pantry, it also involves good home maintenance practices. After all, if you don’t take good care of your home, it won’t be around long. Use this guide to spring home maintenance and you can be sure your home will be in top shape when spring arrives.
Gutters and Eaves
During the winter months, tree debris and other wet weather buildup can clog eaves and gutters quickly. With the right cleaning equipment, you can easily remove any leaf materials from the gutters without having to access the area using a ladder. Some equipment uses a telescopic rod that attaches directly to your garden hose. You can use water pressure to blast away lofty debris while you’re safe on the ground.
Air Sealing
Doors and windows see heavy water damages as snow, ice and water accumulates on the cracks, edges and openings of your home. Weatherstripping and other wet entry points on windows and doors should be checked and replaced if they are cracked, broken or shrinking. Caulk and seal around windows and door jambs in preparation for warm outdoor air and cool inside temperatures.
Basement and Crawlspaces
Whether your basement is snug and dry or you have a damp and unused crawlspace, inspecting these areas each spring for damages can ensure that you don’t have big and expensive problems in the future. Check your sump pump, furnace, well and other mechanical equipment for frayed wires, open ventilation ducts or other obvious structural damages. Inspect foundation walls for leaks, cracks or signs of movement. If any damages are detected, contact a service professional immediately.
Spring/Summer Equipment
Get ready for spring and summer by inspecting the equipment that is most commonly used during the spring/summer months. An air conditioning technician should be called to perform a biannual maintenance check on your AC unit. Refill your propane grill tank and clean off your deck or patio. Pool filters and pumps should be cleaned and turned on. Take a water sample into your pool dealership for analysis before buying any pool chemicals.
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