Winter can be a rough time, no matter where you live in the country, and it can be especially harsh on your home. When spring arrives, people often engage in a fresh, thorough cleaning in anticipation of sunnier, warmer days.
Usually, this means cleaning carpets, deep-cleaning upholstery, and so forth, but many essential tasks get forgotten in the shuffle of spring cleaning.
Here are ten crucial home maintenance tasks you should keep in mind when getting your spring cleaning underway.
Some winters can be brutal, and it’s your roof that takes the brunt of the damage. It’s also your first line of defense against water damage. Check for missing shingles, soft spots, or anything else suspicious. Fix small problems before they can become big ones. Local roofing companies can now use drone technology for thorough roof inspections.
Window screens let fresh air in and keep bugs out. They can also get damaged relatively easily—either from storm debris outside or a cat with too-sharp claws inside. Check each window screen for holes that need patching or for screens that need to be replaced.
Changing winter conditions can cause caulk and other weather seals to crack and harden. Take some time to check any seals you can find to see if any need repair or replacement. Come rainy spring weather, this will help prevent water from entering your home and causing damage. Proper seals will also save you money in the summer by making your air-conditioning operate more efficiently.
Why wait for the annoying chirp of a weak-battery alarm? Why risk your home and family to a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that may not be sufficiently powered? Change the batteries at least once a year, whether you think they need it or not.
Over time, sediment builds up in your water heater tank, leading to water discoloration and other problems. Get something to catch water and open the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it. This will prolong the life of your water heater and save energy.
You may have already given your gutters a quick inspection after the last fall leaf blew off the trees, but it’s a good idea to give them another look before spring weather sets in. Clogged gutters leave your home vulnerable to water damage—and many times, water damage isn’t noticed until it’s too late, and the only repairs are expensive.
Are your hedge clippers and lawnmower ready for another year of yard maintenance? Check blades, engine oil, and fuel where necessary. Make sure everything is not only operational but safe to use. If any tools look too rusted or broken down, it may be time to get replacements lined up.
From touch-up painting to cracks in your walkway or driveway, get a head start on everyone else in the neighborhood and spruce up your home’s outdoor appearance, starting from the front of the house to the back. Many of these fixes are small and relatively inexpensive if caught early. Don’t forget to check the condition of any fences surrounding your property and the safety of porches and decks that have been exposed to harsh winter weather over the past few months.
The life and health of many home appliances are often taken for granted, which can be expensive if an appliance fails beyond repair and needs to be replaced. A few things to check:
Ideally, this chore should be done more than once a year. Check your owner’s manuals for a recommended schedule. That said, if you haven’t done it yet, check your filters for signs they may need repair or replacement. Bad filters force your heating and air-conditioning systems to work harder, which can cost you serious money before you know it.
By fixing small problems early, you save yourself the hassle and expense of dealing with them later, when they become much larger problems. A little maintenance goes a long way. While springtime is often the traditional time to tackle many of these small tasks, it’s a good idea to keep them in mind year-round.
You’ll save money and have fewer problems when you do.
Need additional help? Be sure to contact our maintenance team!
