5 Amazingly Simple Spring Home Maintenance Tasks To Try
Spring is upon us and that means it’s about time to begin spring home maintenance and cleaning projects throughout your home. But spring cleaning should not be limited to dusting the interior surfaces, cleaning out closets and wiping down baseboards! Spring cleaning should apply to the exterior of your home, too.
Summer will provide you with many more opportunities to enjoy the outside of your home — whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying your patio each evening — so you’ll want it to be kept clean and well-maintained.
Summer can also bring thunderstorms, wind, rain, harsh sunlight, and high temperatures. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure the outside of your home is prepared to face a new variety of elements as the temperatures warm.
Consider these spring home maintenance tips that will prepare and protect your home for summer; from rooftop to foundation and everywhere in between.
1. Your Roof: Inspect Shingles, Chimney, and Gutters
Shingles:
The first place you should start when considering spring home maintenance is with your roof. Obviously, this is a very important aspect of your home as it protects you and your family from the elements.
But having roof problems can be more than just an inconvenience. If there are holes, you risk water damage which can create major problems in other areas of your home.
So, at the end of winter and before the weather turns too hot, it’s a good idea to inspect your shingles (or have a professional do so) to determine if there is any damage that occurred through the winter, such as lost, cracked, or loose shingles.
If there are any problems with your roof, you should call a professional right away. They will repair your roof before any more damage may occur.
Summer can be hard on a roof in its own way, with rain, excessive heat, and wind. You want it to be in good shape and repair any problems so they don’t get worse with the passage of time.
Chimney and Gutters:
Two other aspects of your roof that will need attention are your chimney–if you have one–and your gutters. You may want to consult a professional to clean out your chimney as it can be dangerous.
But cleaning it out and making sure any debris is cleared away will help with general maintenance and keep it in working order for when it’s needed again when the colder months return.
Your gutters are probably the most crucial part of spring home maintenance as summer approaches. Your roof receives a great deal of rain and storms throughout the summer, so you’ll want gutters to help with carrying away this excess water.
Winter can wreak havoc on your gutters. So start by cleaning out dead leaves, pine cones, and other debris.
You’ll also want to make sure they are securely fastened to the home, and if not, refasten them.
Check for leaks in the gutters as well. Fill any holes with caulk in order to help water runoff go where it needs to–into the gutter and down the downspout, away from your home.
2. Care for Your Concrete
It’s also important to take good care of the concrete around and underneath your home for the sake of structural stability as well as aesthetics.
Cracks can become filled with water in the winter, which then freezes, and causes the crack to expand.
Inspect the concrete of your foundation, driveway, and any walkways or patios for cracks. You can seal these with a concrete caulk.
You’ll also want to apply a clear sealant to your driveway and walkways. But first, be sure to wash the surfaces thoroughly; power washing can take caked dirt and stains off very well.
Once the surface is completely dry, a coat or two of sealer will give a clean, fresh look to it.
3. Spring Home Maintenance to Prepare for Hot Weather
Prepare for hot weather by having a licensed HVAC professional inspect your air conditioning unit.
Your air conditioner is going to be working hard soon, so you’ll want it to be at peak efficiency once summer heat waves begin to hit. Having it inspected by a professional can help you get a jump start on any maintenance or repairs that may be needed before temperatures get too high.
4. Clean Up Your Siding
Your siding may have incurred stains and dirt through the winter, especially if your home is light-colored.
This spring home maintenance is a simple task, though. Consider power washing your siding. You can do this either with or without a cleaning solution, which will help you get rid of any algae, mold, stains, and dirt.
5. Prep Your Deck for Summer Fun
You will likely be spending a lot of time on your deck once summer hits, so it’s worth it to spend time getting it cleaned up and looking beautiful so it can be enjoyed all summer long.
The first home maintenance task is to clean it well. This can also be done with a power washer with a cleaning solution. If you don’t have a power washer, a scrub brush and your own two hands will suffice.
Go over the deck and inspect it for any peeling wood or loose screws. Then, replace or repair any areas that appear weak or damaged.
Once the deck is cleaned and dried thoroughly, you may want to apply a stain or sealer on it if it is a wood deck; this will not only improve the look but will also help to make it waterproof and protect the wood.
Conclusion
Summer is approaching quickly, but spring is the best time to clean up and repair damage that your home incurred throughout the harsh winter.
Spring home maintenance and cleaning applies to the exterior of your home as well. During this time, repairs and maintenance can be done literally from top to bottom.
Begin with repairing any questionable areas on your roof; proceed to inspect all concrete surfaces. Make sure your siding is cleaned and your deck stained. Also ensure that your air conditioner is ready to take on hot summer days.
Doing so will ensure that your home is well-maintained and cared for, but also ready to be enjoyed as the weather warms up and more time is spent outside.