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Spring Home Maintenance Checklist!

The weather is getting warmer, and now is the time for spring home maintenance and repairs; below are some tips to help you prepare for the warmer weather.

  • Turn on hose bibs. Before you turn on your hose bibs, inspect pipes between the hose bib and shut-off valve for signs of frost damage or splits in the pipes. Also check for separated joints. Once you've checked that everything is in good shape, make sure your outside hose bib is turned off, and turn on the shut-off valve inside your home. Your outside hose bib is now ready for use.
  • Inspect your roof. Visually inspect your roof. Extensive damage can be caused when shingles become loose or fall off completely. Look for signs of age such as curling, shrinking, or broken or missing shingles. In order to avoid costly leaks, repair or replace damaged or missing shingles.
  • Inspect air conditioning system and change the filter. Now is the time to have your air conditioning system checked by a licensed HVAC mechanic. A yearly inspection by a professional is recommended.
  • Inspect your deck. Winter weather can be harsh on wood, so look for loose nails and boards. Also, check for rotted boards that need to be fixed or replaced.
  • Inspect window and door screens. Inspect screens for holes and tears. You can purchase a screen repair kit from your local hardware store. Remove storm doors (if removable) and inspect the caulking around the window frame.
  • Clean fireplaces and wood stoves. Remove as many ashes as possible and close your chimney flue. Consult the owner's manual for your wood stove for proper spring cleaning.
  • Inspect and clean gutters and downspouts. Ice that may have formed over the winter in gutters can cause them to pull away from the house as well as break seals in gutter joints and downspout connections. Loose or clogged gutters can allow rain to run over your fascia board, and collect near your foundation causing your basement to leak. Gutter cleaning and other roof maintenance generally require using an extension ladder which can present a potentially dangerous situation. If this is beyond your comfort zone be sure to contact a professional.
  • Check drainage system. Inspect the perimeter of your home looking for signs of settling or voids that would allow rain to run down into your foundation. A properly sloped yard has a minimum of a 5 inch fall from the house to 5 feet out in the yard. This should be true on all sides of your home. This is a minimum condition, the greater the slope, the better your chances of maintaining a dry basement.

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