Spring brings chores for homeowners
At home, spring isn’t just about rolling up your sleeves to dust and polish in those hard-to-reach places. It’s also about inspecting for winter damage and prepping for warmer weather ahead. No matter the climate you live in, now is the right time to give your house a once-over and tackle important spring maintenance before summer settles in.
1. Inspect and clean your roof April showers bring May flowers _ and they also send rainwater rushing over your roof, into your gutters and through your downspouts. Spring is an ideal time to have a professional check for _ and fix _ loose or broken shingles, roof leaks and chimney damage. And a good seasonal gutter cleaning will prevent pooling water that can damage your house and attract pests like mosquitos and termites.
2. Examine your home’s exterior.
Take a walk around the outside of your home to search for holes in screens, as well as deteriorating hardware on windows and doors.
While you’re at it, look for damage to porches, decks and patios. Has it been a while since you’ve had your deck treated? If it’s been more than four to six years, tackling this project will help protect the wood from issues like rot, splintering and decay.
Finally, take a look at your siding. Address any loosened panels, water damage or dents as soon as you can. If the outside of your house looks dirty, give it a wash with the hose. Better yet, have a pro give it a good power washing from top to bottom.
3. Give your lawn and garden some TLC.
As your perennial plants sprout back to life, yank out weeds and address any bald spots in your lawn. Open up closed exterior water lines and check for leaks, or issues with your hoses as you reattach them. Have an irrigation system? Make sure to turn it back on according to local codes.
If you have big trees on your property, it’s not a bad idea to have an arborist come by and make sure they’re healthy. Dying trees can create a safety hazard, and pros can often identify and address a problem before it gets worse.
4. Scan your driveway and walkways for cracks and grime.
Temperature swings and tools like shovels and snow-blowers can wreak havoc on concrete and asphalt. Winter and spring storms can also cause a build-up of dirt and sediment in and on your driveway and walkways. Take a look at the surfaces and keep an eye out for cracks, small holes, pooling water or unevenness.
A pro can help with quick repairs to holes or cracks, and let you know if there’s more serious damage you’ll need to address. If you’re just looking to brighten things up, consider hosing off or power washing this area along with your home’s exterior.