This spring, give your home the attention it deserves by doing a thorough maintenance check to ensure that everything is in great shape. Although not exciting, spring home maintenance prevents future issues that could blast your vacation budget out of the water. So, use this guide to get those jobs done to protect your home and your bottom line.
Remove Debris from the Gutters and Downspouts
Throughout the fall and winter, leaves, sticks, and other debris rains down from above, clogging up your gutters. If you do not remove that debris in a timely manner, spring showers can put your eaves into contact with tons of rainwater. This will result in the wood rotting and can lead to water leaking into your living space.
So, get out the scoop and start digging out the debris to clear the channels in your gutters. Then, check that the downspouts are equally clear to restore the function of this vital system. You will need to repeat your efforts at the end of the summer, at the latest. If you have a lot of trees all around, or frequent windstorms, plan to do quarterly gutter cleanings for the best results.
Inspect the Integrity of the Roof
While you are tending to the gutters, look along the roof for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles. Pay close attention to the areas around the vents and chimney to check for damage to the flashing.
If you spot any problems, plan to have a roofing professional come through to perform repairs. Otherwise, you could end up with costly water leaks that could even cause mold and mildew to grow.
Redo Caulk Around Windows and Doors
All the windows and doors in your home have caulk around the outer edges to create a tight seal. The caulk slowly wears away due to weathering and insect damage, resulting in gaps that can let in water and bugs.
To avoid the issues that can come from that, simply redo the caulk to restore the seal. You will need to remove the old caulk by peeling and scraping it away first. Then, apply the new caulk by laying a thick bead around the outside of the frames of all the windows and doors.
While you are out there, check all screens for holes and other damage. Fix the ones in need of attention to keep insects from entering your home through the spring, summer, and beyond.
Reseal the Deck and Other Woodwork
The wood used to create your deck, fences, and other woodwork will rot when left exposed to the sun and rain. You must reseal those surfaces about once a year to keep them from weathering into oblivion.
The way you approach this process will depend on the way they were sealed in the first place. If you painted them, then another coat of paint will have to do. If stain was used, then you can choose to reapply the stain or use paint instead.
Either way, plan to clean the surface with a pressure washer and allow it to fully dry before resealing. Otherwise, your efforts will not pan out, leaving you with unsightly woodwork.
Service the Air Conditioning Unit
Before you start using the air conditioning unit in earnest, you need to have it serviced. HVAC professionals can come through the check the function of the unit and change the filter. They can also take a look at your central heating system at that time.
If the inspection reveals any wear or damage to its internal parts, you can have them fixed right then to avoid bigger problems down the road. If not, you can simply use the air conditioner like normal without worry about anything going awry.
Replace Smoke Alarm Batteries
Once you are finished with the above steps, remember to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. You should complete this task twice a year alongside your fall and spring home maintenance routine. That way, you can rest assured that these devices are monitoring your home for danger and prepared to alert you to any problems that may arise.
Use this spring home maintenance guide each year to keep your residence in excellent shape. Your efforts will go a long way in preserving the condition of your home and giving you true peace of mind.
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