Spring is just around the corner and after the long winter we’ve had in Central Ohio, it will be a welcome change. This is also the perfect time for a refresh for your home. Some routine maintenance can help keep your home in tip top shape and prevent problems down the road. Here are a few items to add to your spring home maintenance schedule to help give you a lazy summer.
Inspect Your Roof
It’s a good idea to give your roof an inspection after winter. Ice and snow can wreak havoc on the roof and it’s smart to get ahead of issues before they cause leaks and other major problems. Look for missing or damaged shingles, check pipes and chimneys for damage, keep an eye out for anything that just doesn’t seem right. A quick, closer inspection can easily be done with your smart phone’s camera and zoom feature. If you see anything out of sorts, call a professional to inspect. It’s better to repair now than to deal with issues down the road.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
April showers bring May flowers so the saying goes. You will definitely want to make sure you are prepared for spring rains and having gutters and downspouts that are in good condition is important this time of year. Take time to clean your gutters from leaves and twigs, make sure all of your downspouts are connected properly. This can help keep water away from your foundation and prevent basement flooding and other issues.
Touch Up Paint Exterior
Take a good look at your home’s exterior and decide if you need a fresh coat of paint. Spring is a great time to repaint your home. If you are planning to do some touch up work yourself, you will be happy you decided to do so before summer heat hits. If you plan to hire a professional, you will want to get that scheduled before they book up.
Reseal Exterior Woodwork
Decks and exterior woodwork also take the brunt of the winter weather. Give them some extra attention this spring by cleaning them up and checking for splintered wood, warped boards, or loose railings. Reseal your decks and woodwork now and look forward to a relaxing summer on the deck.
Maintain Grills
We all know the smell of the first good day of grilling weather! That day is quickly approaching. Check your grill burners for debris, make sure the hose connections are secure, and clean the grill well. Once that warm day comes, all you will need to do is make a trip to the grocery store.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service
HVAC experts recommend a routine air conditioning service in the spring to keep your air conditioner efficient and fully functional. Just because everything seems to be running smoothly, doesn’t mean there aren’t issues that can’t be seen or could arise later. Keep on top of any issues and protect your investment. Routine maintenance can also save you from a costly repair in the heat of summer.
Clean Up the Lawn
Rake up any debris in your yard so that grass can get the sunlight and air it needs to thrive this spring. Clear out sticks and leaves from gardens and flower beds. Now is also a good time to get ahead on your weed control before they start popping up everywhere. Place fresh mulch where needed and remove any dead plants, bushes, and trees.
Deep Clean
Spring cleaning is a common practice for many and it’s a great idea to add this to your maintenance routine. Going above and beyond your standard cleaning can keep things looking fresh and promote a healthier living environment. Things that often don’t get regular attention such as cabinets, walls, and windows and can use a deep clean to help prevent dust build up, mold, and mildew.
Check Plumbing
Leaks and clogs can happen any time of year, but spring is a good opportunity to evaluate any potential problems. Look under the sinks and check that there are no leaks, sweaty pipes, or connection issues. Check around your dishwasher for any water leaks and also look at the piping around the hot water tank. These are common areas for plumbing issues and bigger problems can sometimes be prevented just by taking a few minutes to look them over.
