Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring is a good time to inspect your home and property. Getting on top of any minor issues now could prevent them from turning into major repairs later. However, it can be difficult to know what to look for. To help you cover the key bases, we've gathered a list of home maintenance tips to consider for spring.

• Your roof protects everything in your house. It's important to check it regularly to make sure it's in good condition. One of the first things generally recommended to do is to clear off any debris and clean the gutters. If you have a shingled roof, repair any missing or loose shingles. If you have a metal roof, check the coating and re-coat if necessary. According to Metal Construction News, the coating on metal roofs can last five to 12 years. That said, it's never a bad idea to check things out, just to be sure.
• Check nearby trees to see if they pose a threat to your roof. If so, have branches trimmed or trees removed.
• Inspect fences, railings and skirting. Look for holes and cracks, and plan repairs as needed. Skirting is very important, as it helps keeps pests out from under your home. It also helps to stop hot air from getting in so easily, which can keep your home cooler in the summer. Be sure the skirting is well-ventilated and allows air to circulate freely.
• Check entrance steps and make sure they are stable and in good condition. If your steps are concrete, you can seal them with acrylic or silicone-based concrete sealer. If they're wooden, check if they need to be stained or water sealed.
• Pick up any debris on your lawn and rake mounds of gravel or dirt that may have accumulated from snow removal. Piles of debris left on the lawn can kill the emerging spring grass beneath it. It also provides a nesting site for slugs and insect pests.
• Inspect bushes, shrubs and other landscaping. Trim or remove if necessary.
• Check your home's siding and give it a good wash. You can usually use household detergent or find a cleaning compound made specifically for your siding material. Wash from top to bottom, rinse and then dry with a towel from the top down.
• Inspect your windows and screens. Repair any damaged screens and wash the windows. If quick-fix repairs won't do the job, consider replacements. There are many new energy-efficient windows in a variety of styles.
• Check the underside of your home for damage, debris collection or animal nests and make repairs as needed.
• Repel pests by filling cracks on exterior lumber, such as with caulking or asphalt roofing cement, and replace damaged lumber with treated wood. Seal and caulk windows and doors and repair holes in screens. Remember that using poisons outside could inadvertently hurt or kill pets.

Again, completing these tasks in the spring is a good idea since the weather is nicer. However, spring is not the only time you should inspect your home. For the best long-term results, you should stay on top of maintenance all year long.

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