Time for Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

There is no better month than April to ready your home for warmer weather ahead and prepare for more time spent outside.

Inspect Your Roof – Winter rain and snow can damage shingles and create possible roof leaks. Your first inspection can be done safely from the ground using a pair of binoculars. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 500,000 people are injured in ladder-related accidents each year. If you spot roof damage, hire a professional for roof repairs.

Clean Your Gutters – It’s important to clean your gutters and downspouts after each winter. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause eaves to rot, and rotted leaves can invite a new set of problems like wood rot and insect infestation. Properly maintained gutters and downspouts should divert water away from your home and its foundation.

Check for Termites – The beginning of spring is a great time to check for signs of termites. Keep an eye out for these winged insects. Termites swarm in the spring, so if you spot swarms of winged insects flying out of a hole in the woodwork, it’s probably termites. Contact a licensed professional pest control company for an evaluation.

Check Your Foundation – Take a walk around the exterior of your home this month and examine your home’s foundation. Check for cracks in the masonry and loose tiles.

HVAC Check-up – Have your HVAC system tuned up before the arrival of warm weather. Hire a trained professional for the inspection and maintenance. Maintaining your HVAC system all year can save you from unexpected emergency repairs at very inconvenient times.

Make Your Windows Sparkle– Spring clean your windows inside and out using a window cleaning solution and a squeegee or a soft cloth. Avoid using high-pressure spray washers as they may chip caulking or damage screens. If your windows have screening, remove the screens and clean those as well.

Refresh Exterior Paint & Stain – Whether touching up your deck or giving the whole house a new look, spring is a great time for painting and staining projects. The weather is not too hot and shrubbery near the house is less in the way. And if you’re planning to sell, an attractive exterior can help increase the value of your home.

Your Sprinkler System – Make sure your sprinkler system is operational before the hot weather hits. Run your system through all zones and walk your property to inspect your system. Make sure there are no broken or damaged heads. Adjust sprinkler heads that hit your house, windows, porches, and sidewalks.

Tackle Outdoor Landscaping -Caring for your yard and garden is definitely a year- round activity, but now is the time to revive the landscaping after cold, wet months. Put pruning, planting, and fertilizing on your list. Be sure to remove debris around the AC unit so it can run most effectively and efficiently.