As this long and harsh winter is ending, spring’s warm winds along with its bright sun truly are a breath of fresh air. So, what’s the problem? All this magnificent sunshine also spotlights how cracked your sidewalk is, how full of leaves your gutter is and how your flowers are not so colorful after winter. So, here’s a checklist to help you see where maintenance is needed.
As spring comes up, an overall cleaning is almost a custom for many homeowners. We get the energy boost required to sort out all that clutter from the rejuvenating spring warmth to get everything in order before the really very nice weather knocks at the door. Don’t forget to clean the walls, the windows, the outlets, the baseboards, the faucets, the shower heads, the dryer vent… well, everything you never do!
There’s no better time than a change of season to check if your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in proper working order and change their batteries. Also have a quick look at your fire extinguishers to make sure that the pin is locked in and that it’s leak-free!
Make sure the air conditioner or your central air unit is working well before it gets really required for summer! Change the filter, check all the connections, and have it serviced if necessary.
Examine the roof to see if shingles are missing or have been damaged during winter. If you have an older roof covering that would need to be replaced, you may want to start to set aside some money. Roof shingles can be quite damaged by the summer sun! Shingles that are buckled, cracked, loose, or even if they are missing granules, need to be replaced. Have a look at your skylights, plumbing vents and chimneys and have them repaired by a qualified roofer as needed.
Caulk around your windows and doors can be hardened by the cold weather or cracks can appear. Inspect all the seals on your doors and windows and change them as needed. This will help reduce your energy bill by preventing water from getting in. Also, don’t forget to replace any damaged mosquito screens!
Make sure your gutters are secure and leak-free. You can get water in your basement or your crawling space due to improper drainage. The downspouts must be clean, free of debris and drain water away from the foundation.
You should use compacted soil next to your foundations and in your yard’s lower areas. Your yard might get flooded because of all the spring rains, which can lead to your foundations also being flooded and damaged.
Check your concrete slabs to see if any are wobbly or cracked. With the exception of pool decks, all exterior slabs have to drain water away from the foundation. Use a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk to fill these cracks. Power-wash whenever you can and then seal the concrete.
Search for freeze damage on your outside hose faucets. Turn on the water and cover the opening with a finger or your thumb. If the water stops, there are good chances that you will need to replace a damaged pipe. While you’re in water, inspect the garden hose to make sure there is no dry rot.
Inspect your powered lawn equipment to make sure it is summer-ready. Sharpen the blades and clean up your equipment for an smoother lawn work.
