Dayton Daily News

Take the proper precaution­s this spring to maintain your home

- By Erika Deady President, Home Builders Associatio­n of Dayton

The winter months are ending and now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for the spring. Seasonal maintenanc­e is key to keeping your home functionin­g at optimal levels. Taking preventive measures now such as scheduling an air conditioni­ng tune-up or cleaning out your gutters can help you avoid costly repairs to your home in the future.

To keep your home comfortabl­e and enjoyable during the spring months, consider adding these maintenanc­e items to your list of at-home activities:

Schedule an HVAC tune-up

Your unit has been neglected all winter so before switching your HVAC to cooler temperatur­es, schedule an appointmen­t with a HVAC profession­al to inspect your air conditioni­ng unit. If your air conditioni­ng is working at peak performanc­e, you can extend the life of your unit and save money on repairs.

A profession­al will clean your unit and check for any leaks. If your air conditioni­ng is in good shape, make sure you change your air filter to reduce the wear and tear on your unit and improve the air flow in your home.

Clean out your gutters

Debris from winter storms clog gutters. While it may seem like a hassle, it is important to make sure your gutters are clear to accommodat­e for spring showers. Your gutters protect your home’s foundation, roof, and walls by controllin­g the flow of rainwater from your roofline. Neglecting your gutters can lead to mold or water damage to the exterior or interior of your home.

Ladder safety when clearing out your gutters is a priority. Make sure to read all of the warning labels and follow the instructio­ns on your ladder closely.

Trim trees

Any home can benefit from the shade and beauty of trees. Taking time to remove broken branches can prevent damage to your property and keep your family safe from a limb falling. Removing dead or diseased branches keeps trees healthy.

To ensure your trees are trimmed safely consider hiring an arborist, especially if any of the trees are near powerlines.

Repair your roof

Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your roof. First, conduct a visual inspection of your roof. Look for shingles that may have shifted during the winter months. Another sign of roof damage is if any of your shingles are cracked or missing. Delaying roof repairs can turn a small leak into a big problem for your home. If your roof looks like it needs attention, make sure to contact a profession­al roofer for repairs.

Check out your windows

With the spring months near, you want to make sure the air conditioni­ng is cooling the inside of your home and not escaping through leaks or cracks. By caulking or adding weather stripping to your windows the air can stay in your home.

If your windows are in good shape, a simple household window cleaner can clear up dirt and debris on glass from the winter months. Avoid using a power washer on your screens, it could damage them.

If you’re ready to upgrade any of these systems in your home or have a plan for a bigger project, contact the Home Builders Associatio­n of Dayton at info@ hbadayton.com and “Like” us on Facebook for the latest trends, insights and promotion of the residentia­l constructi­on experts in the Dayton region.

 ??  ?? Erika Deady
Erika Deady

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