Home Maintenance Tips For Spring

After a long winter season, your home is sure to be in need of some overdue attention heading into the spring.

Not only is seasonal home maintenance critical for ensuring the safe functionality of your home, but regular maintenance helps add to the value of your property, improves its appearance, protects against weather and other threats, and reduces long term costs.

Follow these spring maintenance tips to ensure your property is ready for the season.

CHECK YOUR GUTTERS & ROOFING

When the snow melts, it’s important to check for loose and leaky gutters that may have been affected by heavy snow and ice build up. You’ll want to remove any debris found in the gutters, and ensure downspouts drain away from the foundation. Because improper drainage can lead to flooding, you may wish to consider installing gutter screens to help manage debris.

When you’ve finished with the gutters, you can also examine your roof shingles. It’s possible some may have been damaged during the winter season. The sun can be equally as harmful to shingles as the snow, so spring is the best time to make replacements before the summer heat sets in.

INVEST IN LANDSCAPING

Spring rains may cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation damage, in addition to creating an unwanted breeding ground for insects and pests. To avoid this, low areas in the yard where water pools should be filled with compacted soil.

Now is also the time to weed the lawn, and clean out your garden beds. Ensure you complete a full inspection of your property, paying special attention to any tree branches that may be at risk of falling.

SERVICE ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING

Before flipping any switches on for the spring, it’s important to check for potential damages that may be a result of the cold weather or extended period of stagnation. Air conditioning units, hose faucets, outdoor lights and BBQs should all be examined for freeze damage.

Also, consider a professional servicing of your cooling unit to keep the system operating at optimal levels, and to limit allergens. Don’t forget to change your air filters too.

EXAMINE THE DRIVEWAY & WALKWAYS

It’s common to find cracks, dips or potholes on your driveway and walkways after the winter. It’s important to correct these areas before spring rain can turn minor damage into a major headache.

You will need to caulk and seal the cracks, then lift the areas that have begun to sink. The specific process for repairing damage will depend on the type of material your driveway or walkway is made of. Asphalt, concrete and brick each have unique requirements.

You should also keep your driveway and walkway free of damaging growths, and complete a re-sealing every three to five years.

INSPECT THE ATTIC

Mold, insects or small critters may have found their way in over the winter months. Inspect the attic and crawl space to clear out any unwanted intruders, and prevent them from spreading further into the home. Check for proper ventilation and airflow, paying special attention to vent obstructions, damaged or leaky panels and wet spots on insulation. Keeping a good airflow also helps to reduce cooling costs.

SECURE WINDOWS & DOORS

Caulk around your home's windows and doors to help keep out heat and humidity heading into the summer. You should also check the weather stripping, which will affect the functionality of your widows and doors. Secure window and doors ensure the safety of your home, while also lowering the cost of your utility bill.

Looking to spruce up your space this spring? Contact us to learn more about luxury renovations, extensions and additions.