Winter is almost over and Spring is on its way! Once the weather starts getting warmer after a long period of cold, icy and wet weather, there are a few things to check on inside and outside of your home.
We at RepairFind have put together some of the most common issues to look out for to make sure your home is ready for Spring. Here are some maintenance tasks for you to put on the to-do list:
1. Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any debris. If you don’t have them, gutter screens or protectors will help to keep debris out. Check for cracks and leaks and make sure your downspouts drain away from the foundation of your house.
2. Inspect the Roof
Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged over the winter. Shingles that are cracked, curling, loose or missing granules will need to be replaced. Hire a qualified roofer to check the flashing around skylights, chimneys, and plumbing vents.
3. Check & Seal Exterior Woodwork
Fences, decks, railings, trellises, pergolas and any other exterior woodwork should be cleaned and repaired. You should ideally stain and reseal your woodwork every one or two years to keep it in good condition. Repairing your woodwork now will ensure there won’t be further damage with the spring rain.
4. Protect Your Foundations
Spring can bring a lot of rain and yard flooding. You want to keep water away from your house as much as possible and protect your foundations. Any low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compact soil. Check for cracks in the masonry, and hire a foundation specialist if you need repairs.
5. Inspect Concrete Pathways & Driveways
Winter can bring on freezing weather and when it starts to warm up again, it can be hard on concrete and asphalt causing cracks. You can patch cracks in the asphalt and use concrete filler or silicone caulk to repair small cracks in concrete. In some cases you may need to replace concrete slabs. All exterior concrete should drain away from the home. Powerwash and seal the concrete.
6. Check Sprinkler & Irrigation Systems
If you have sprinklers and an irrigation system you should check to see everything is in working order after winter. Run the sprinkler system and check each head is working and water is not spraying towards your house or onto pathways to avoid water damage and wasting water. If you need help with maintenance find a professional, it will help to save money on your water bill and avoid unwanted wastage.
You will also want to check your hose faucet for any freeze damage from the winter. Turn the water on and if you can stop the flow of water with your thumb the pipe inside may be damaged.
7. Replace Rotting Siding & Trim
If you find any rotting or crumbling siding or trim you should replace and repaint it to match. Check for openings, damages or knots popping out and look out for insects or critters that may have found a way into your home.
8. Brickwork & Stucco
Check your brickwork for any spalling (breaking away) at the surface. If the surface of your brickwork starts to chip away, then the interior is exposed to moisture and can start to crumble. Bricks can develop efflorescence, a white deposit on them caused by salt in construction materials and from the ground. You can clean this off of your bricks by dry brushing them in warm, dry weather.
Repair any cracks or holes you find in your stucco and apply a finish coat.
9. Chimney
As with the rest of your house you want to check the exterior of your chimney for any damages. It is important you clean your chimney to prevent house fires and keep you and your family safe. Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean and examine the flue one to two times a year, depending on use.
10. Check Attic
Attics are a perfect home for critters and insects, search for nests and signs of unwanted guests. You want to look out for any roof leaks or wet spots on the insulation. Look for obstruction of air vents, good air flow will help with AC costs. Good insulation and air flow will also help to deter mold growth in the warmer months.
11. Seal Windows & Doors / Repair Screens
Ensuring your windows and doors are sealed properly will keep your house well insulated and help to reduce your utility bill. Inspect the caulking and weather stripping around your windows and doors. If you experience condensation inside your double or triple-glazed windows your seal has been compromised and the glass or window will need to be replaced.
Check your window and door screens for any holes or tears, you can find repair kits at your local hardware store. Take your screens off and wash with a mild detergent and let air dry outside. Avoid using a power washer as it can damage the mesh.
12. Service the AC Units
As the weather starts to warm, now is the time to service your air conditioning unit. Call an HVAC expert for yearly maintenance to keep the unit running as efficiently as possible and to get the longest life out of it. Change the interior filters at least once a season.
It is important that you maintain your home between seasons. You want to weatherproof your house and stay on top of repairs to ensure things don’t get worse and there are no more costly damages in the future.
Download our checklist to get your house ready for Spring! If you find you need professional assistance with repairs we’ve got you! Learn more about how RepairFind can help you find the best contractors in your area.
