Spring Home Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Home in Top Shape

Spring is the perfect time to give your home some much-needed TLC. As warmer weather sets in, it's important to address any winter damage and prepare your home for the upcoming seasons.

Here are ten spring home maintenance tips to help you keep your home in top shape.

Clean Your Gutters: During winter, debris can accumulate and block your gutters and downspouts, potentially causing water damage and foundation issues that might not be apparent until they become severe problems. If you're unsure about tackling this task yourself, consider hiring a professional. If you choose to clean the gutters on your own, always have someone hold the ladder for safety. Additionally, make certain that the downspouts drain water at least 4 feet away from your home's foundation.

Pro Tip: Adding downspout extensions is an easy DIY fix

Inspect Your Roof: Check your roof for missing or damaged shingles using a pair of binoculars. If you notice any issues, it's best to address them quickly to prevent water damage or more extensive repair.

Pro Tip: Shingles are installed linear, so if they are not straight there may be a problem.

Service Your Air Conditioner: Contact a local HVAC professional to service your air conditioning system before summer arrives. A properly tuned system will operate more efficiently and reduce the risk of costly breakdowns.
 
Clean Your Dryer Vent: Invest in a dryer vent cleaning kit or hire a professional duct cleaning company to prevent lint buildup, which can lead to reduced energy efficiency and even fires.

Did you know... the National Fire Protection Agency reports that laundry machines cause 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them?


Inspect Driveways and Walkways: Cracks in your driveway or walkways can cause safety hazards and allow water to penetrate, causing further damage. Seal any cracks you find and contact a professional for more extensive repairs if needed.

Clean Your Deck and Fence: Remove debris from deck surfaces and around fences to prevent organic growth that can create slippery surfaces and cause deterioration. Consider using a deck and fence wash for stubborn buildup.

Inspect Exterior Siding and Paint: For your painted surfaces, look for missing or damaged paint. If you can see wood, it's probably time for a recoat! For your siding, look for holes, cracks, or displaced materials. There are lots of different siding materials, but one thing holds true for all... If there is a gap that will allow water or insects to get in, you need a repair.


Check Smoke and CO2 Detectors: Ensure your smoke and CO2 detectors are functioning properly and replace any that are more than 10 years old. Enlist the help of someone to hold your ladder if you need one to check your detectors.

Did you know... smoke and CO2 detectors do expire, even if the battery is good. Most units have a lifespan of 10 years, and the date of manufacture is on the underside of the unit.


Maintain Your Landscape and Grade: Keep a minimum of 18 inches of clearance between plants and your home's siding to prevent insect or impact damage. Inspect your yard's grading, filling in low spots and ensuring that the ground slopes away from your foundation.

Check Your Outside Faucets: Inspect your exterior faucets for leaks or drips, and test for potential freeze damage by covering the faucet with your thumb and turning it on. If water doesn't squirt out, there may be a broken pipe. Contact a local plumber for repairs if necessary.

Taking the time to perform these spring home maintenance tasks will help keep your home safe, efficient, and in good condition throughout the year. By addressing any issues early, you can prevent more significant problems and costly repairs down the road.

Happy spring cleaning!