The springtime is here and you know what that means: it’s time for some spring maintenance! Whether you’re a homeowner or even just a tenant, don’t forget to do the essentials to make sure your home is in top condition.
11 Things to Include in Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
Spring is perfect for doing regular household maintenance work. The weather is warm and the days are long, making it an especially great time to maintain your lawn and your home’s exterior. Here are the top things you shouldn’t forget to include in your spring maintenance checklist.
1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts
The winter has passed, and it’s time for some spring lawn care and spring cleaning. What better way to start than by cleaning your gutters and downspouts? This is vital to spring maintenance as clogged downspouts and gutters can rot the wood trim at the eaves. If left unchecked, unwanted critters might soon be moving into your attic space.
Make sure to clean the downspouts and gutters early in the springtime. This can protect the home from the spring rains. Moreover, remember to test them and make sure they’re running free. The water must be properly diverted from the house so none collects around the foundation.
2. Reseal External Woodwork
Do you have wooden trellises, railings, fences, decks, or pergolas? If so, the springtime is the best time to reseal them. This will ensure that the wood lasts longer and stays in tip-top shape. You can also re-stain the wood if they need it. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of the fine weather to make necessary repairs.
3. Check for Termites
Termites swarm during the spring, so include termite inspection in your spring maintenance checklist. The ideal time to start is March. However, it’s best to continue periodic inspections through June. This will ensure your home is protected and not deteriorating from the inside.
How do you check for termites? A good tell-tale sign is to watch for winged insects flying out of holes in woodwork. However, it’s best to call a professional pest control company to conduct a thorough inspection. It might cost money now but’ll save you much more in the long term.
4. Inspect the Roof
Snow and winter storms can damage roofs, so make sure to inspect them this spring. You can do this by using binoculars and standing from afar. If you don’t have binoculars, you can use the zoom lens on your smartphone. Look for damaged or missing metal pipes, shingles, or anything that looks out of place. You can call a roofer if something needs repair or closer inspection.
5. Repaint the Home’s Exterior
This might not be necessary, but it certainly goes a long way if your home’s due for a repaint. If it is, the springtime is the ideal season to do it. The weather is just suitable for repainting outdoors.
6. Inspect Paths and Driveways
People think that spring yard care only involves tending to greenery. However, your sidewalks and driveways are just as important. The winter’s freezing and thawing cycles can be rough on asphalt, concrete, and other hardscaping materials.
Walk around your property and look for damages like cracks or potholes. Make sure to schedule the necessary repairs. If your hardscapes are asphalt, you can quickly patch them. However, concrete driveways and sidewalks may need replacing.
7. Check Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems
The sprinkler systems are a big part of spring lawn maintenance. Check the sprinklers and other irrigation systems so your plants are adequately watered. It can also save you money on water bills if you address problems immediately. Here are some tips for springtime lawn maintenance involving sprinkler inspections:
- Run the sprinklers through every zone manually and walk around the property.
- Check all sprinkler heads for damage.
- Adjust sprinkler heads that might be spraying the windows or the house to prevent moisture issues.
- Make sure the sprinklers aren’t spraying the porches, sidewalks, or streets to conserve water.
If you’re unsure how to maintain the sprinklers, call a professional. They can easily point out which parts of the system are damaged. Remember: it’s better to address problems early to save money on your water bill and protect your landscaping.
8. Look for Standing Water
The dangers of the Zika virus and West Nile virus are real. Mosquitos are the main culprit, so check your property for standing water. These winged pests lay eggs in standing water. Even just a fourth inch of water can contain hundreds of eggs.
Make sure to prevent them from breeding around your property by removing any standing water you find. If the floors, porches, lawns, or hardscapes are uneven and collect standing water, it might be good to even them out.
9. Check Screen Windows and Doors
Screens are a great way to keep pests out while letting air flow indoors. However, they can’t efficiently do their job if they have holes and tears. Make sure to get those fixed. Don’t neglect any hole, no matter how small. One small hole could lead to a myriad of pests creeping inside.
10. AC Repairs and Maintenance
They say spring is the best time for AC maintenance. Conducting AC repair in spring ensures you stay cool in the coming summer months.
Make sure to change the filters, clean the vents and ducts, and remove debris around the unit. Doing so lets your AC run more efficiently. It can cool your home faster without taking up as much electricity. Moreover, regular cleaning can improve your home’s air quality to prevent sickness and allergies.
If you’re not well-versed in AC maintenance, you can book a professional to inspect and maintain the unit. They can thoroughly check the AC’s efficiency, inspect coolant levels, and address any pressing issues.
11. Spruce Up the Landscaping
The weather is perfect for some springtime lawn care. Take this opportunity to clear your landscaping and trim any overgrowth you find. Remember to rake the lawn to get rid of dead grass and thatch. You can also apply fertilizer, plant seeds, and suppress weeds by adding a layer of gravel to the topsoil. Apart from this, spring is the perfect time to tidy up the flowerbeds and even replant some.
Take Care of Your Home This Season
There are a lot of things you should include in your spring maintenance checklist. Make sure to have a good look around your property and take care of what needs to be addressed. The season’s weather is perfect for conducting outdoor maintenance and repair jobs. Moreover, there are many things to check up on after the winter freeze.
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