Spring brings showers, flowers, and home maintenance tasks. Before summer’s harsh storms and heat roll in, get your home ready with these easy home maintenance tips!
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1. Prepare for the summer heat
Last year’s first 100-degree day was May 7th, so prepare your home now. Start by scheduling a routine maintenance HVAC service with a qualified technician. He or she can help prolong the life of the system by cleaning the coils and unit, lubricating parts, and inspecting or replacing any belts.
This should be done sooner rather than later to make sure your HVAC won’t break down when you need it most. Also, don’t forget to clean or replace all the filters in your air conditioning and heating system and continue to do so as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This spring home tip will help to increase the efficiency of the unit as well as decrease your energy bills.
Learn more about HVAC maintenance in The Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist You Must Check Off.
2. Complete your usual spring cleaning
Every spring home maintenance checklist must include the essential spring cleaning tasks – filling nail holes, washing window and door panels, fixing screen windows, and changing shower curtains. Just remember to use a soapy water mixture on windows and a microfiber cloth instead of paper towels. Also, don’t forget to remove old caulking and add new to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
3. Prepare your mower
Your lawnmower is an appliance just like the rest of your home devices. You’ll need to make sure it’s in working order, too. Change the oil, gas, and filters if you didn’t complete this maintenance task in the fall.
If your lawnmower doesn’t run, look into cleaning the carburetor, the gas tank filter, and intake and exhaust valves. If you’re unsure how to do so, take your mower to a professional repair shop and let them sharpen the blades, too.
4. Check your outdoor plumbing
It’s time to turn the water back on to your outdoor faucets and ensure that it’s flowing smoothly. Also, reconnect any garden hoses, which you put away during the winter months to prevent ice from forming in your pipes, right? And don’t forget to check them for any cracks or other damage that would require replacement.
5. Check your sprinkler system
Speaking of water, one of the most important spring home tips is to inspect your sprinklers for leaky valves and sprinkler heads. If any areas of your yard collect too much water, check the water line. Can’t find the source? Call a professional to investigate and correct the issue.
6. Trim your trees and shrubs
This is truly an “every season” maintenance task since replacing a roof can be expensive and tree limbs are the main culprit. Branches can also be used by critters as bridges into your home, so clip any and all vegetation to at least 2-3 feet from your house. (Bonus spring home tip: this also helps to prevent a potential burglar from using an overly large shrub for cover.)
For higher tree limbs that threaten your shingles, hire a professional company to take care of them.
7. Clean your gutters
This spring home tip can help save your basement from floods!
Clean your gutters and downspouts twice a year, after the seeds fall in spring and after the leaves fall in autumn. The winter may have stuffed your gutter full of leaves, branches, and even gunk from snow and dirt, so you’ll want to clear them before summer’s drenching storms roll in.
8. Inspect your roof
Winter storms can wreak havoc on it, so every spring home maintenance plan needs to include a visual inspection of your roof (from the ground). Check for any damage, holes, or peeling. Replace any damaged shingles ASAP to avoid expensive home repairs and continue to check your roof frequently. Make sure to inspect it visually before and after any large storms, so you can prevent a small problem from becoming a costly insurance claim.
If you see any issues, call a roofing specialist to repair.
9. Check your deck for damage
If you have a wooden deck, spring is the perfect time to reseal it, so it’ll look its best all summer long.
First, test the wood by sprinkling water on your deck. If water beads on the wood, it’s probably not time to reseal your deck just yet. (You usually need to do this every one to three years.) If the wood immediately soaks up the water, add “reseal deck” to your spring maintenance checklist.
Don’t forget to check your deck for any damage or cracking, and replace any boards as needed. Not sure how? Call a deck professional to complete this necessary spring maintenance.
10. Keep your eyes peeled for termites
Termites swarm between March and June, so keep an eye out for evidence of termites: blistered wood or wood that appears to have water damage, damaged wood with a honeycomb-like interior, discarded termite wings, mud tubes (where termites nest), and termite droppings (wood pellets). If you spot any of these warning signs, it’s best to call a professional immediately. You may already have extensive damage or you might be able to ward off an expensive problem.
Speaking of bugs…
11. Remove firewood from your home
While we all love a cozy fire during the cold winter months, we hate walking far in the snow for logs. But now that the temperatures are up, remove any firewood you may near your home.
You should never store firewood inside your home as termites and carpenter ants can live inside your logs. Instead, keep the firewood away from your home on concrete or asphalt, elevated on treated boards, and with a waterproof tarp to keep the wood dry.
12. Check your chimney
When it comes to your chimney, there’s a few spring home tips you need to know. Masonry absorbs water rather than resisting it, so you’ll need to replace or reseal your chimney. You also need to check the flashing and replace any bricks, a job best left up to a professional. Check out our vipTIPs on the vipHomeLink app for more help taking care and maintaining your fireplace!
13. Fix your foundation
The foundation is literally what your home was built on, so any damage to it can be problematic for the stability and safety of the structure. Clear any shrubs or hedges that are too close to the foundation and never plant anything within three feet of your home. If you do notice any signs of cracks, make sure to call a professional who can chemically bond or fill them.
14. Clean and repair your driveways and walkways
Your driveway and walkways can take a beating during the winter, so make sure to clean and repair your traffic areas (or hire a professional to do so). This isn’t just a curb appeal issue; it’s also a safety issue. If your walkways or driveway aren’t cared for, then family and friends can trip and get injured. Not the best way to kick off barbecue season.
15. Give your home a shower
Like the exterior of your body needs a scrub, so does your home’s. Power washing your home can clear it of mold and mildew, and give it a refreshed look. You can generally power wash your driveway and walkways, too, but always be careful when using a power washer. The force can damage your home and cause bodily harm. When in doubt, always call a professional to help!
Take care of your home every season
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