Springtime! What’s not to love? Flowers are regaling you with color, birds are singing merrily. And your house needs some seasonal love. Here’s a springtime home maintenance checklist to keep your home humming along with all that joyous birdsong. A brisk, sunny spring day is the perfect time to assess any winter wear and tear on your home. Starting with the exterior, these are the items you need to check out.
Up on the roof
Old Man Winter can do a number on your roof. If you feel secure on a ladder, take a peek up there to see if there’s anything that needs attention. Look for cracked tiles, torn or missing shingles, and replace them. If damage is serious, call a licensed roofer for an estimate and to make the repairs.
Get your mind in the gutter!
Winter can be rough on downspouts if ice and debris accumulate. Clean debris from your gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing. Water dams can cause wood rot around eaves and trim. If the winter was windy, gutters may be loose or falling. If they’re intact, simply reattached them. If damaged, it’s time to replace them.
Check your sprinklers
A few hard winter freezes can play havoc with your sprinkler system. Run the system on a warm, sunny day to make sure it’s functioning properly. Replace any damaged sprinkler heads if you find any. If you didn’t drain your sprinkler system before winter, you may have a burst pipe. Large puddles or ponding may appear at the site of the break when you turn the system back on. If this occurred, it’s best to call a professional. You’ll need to dig up part of the yard and replace the broken pipe.
All hands on deck
Winter snow and ice can be detrimental to your decks, porches, and exterior woodwork.
Check for water stains, discoloration, and warping. If the surface looks compromised, it’s time to pressure wash and stain or reseal.
Look for warped deck boards and loose nails. Be sure railings and steps are secure. Replace and soft or rotting boards as soon as possible.
Forget saying “I don’t do windows!”
Check all your window screens for holes or cracks that can be entry points for insects. Hardware stores sell screen repair kits for small fixes. Many also offer a service, in which you can bring the screen to them for repair.Next, check out all your windows for drafts or leaks. Caulking and weather stripping will erode over time, so it may be time for resealing.
Springtime is trim time
Early spring is the time to trim branches, shrubs, and trees, especially those that extend out over the roof of your house or look like they’re growing toward utility lines. If you’re not handy with a ladder or chainsaw, hire a professional to do the job.
Up in the attic
Moving to the interior, do a visual inspection of your attic to make sure you can’t see light through the roof.
Look for signs of rodents or other pests that may have moved in during the cold winter months. Be sure there are no signs of moisture or mold on your insulation.
Look out below
Now’s a good time to check out the basement for musty odors. If the scent is strong, there may be a water leak. Check walls, ceilings, and around the floor for water stains or discoloration. Water or dampness on the floor may indicate poorly positioned downspouts or improper grading around your home. The ground should slope downward and away from the foundation. Water on the walls or ceiling may indicate a plumbing problem. Call in a professional to check that out.
Clean your dryer vents
Clogged dryer vents are real energy wasters, and they’re also fire hazards. Check out the vent where it attaches to the dryer and where it exits the house. If the vent is clogged, you can purchase vent cleaning kits from most home stores. While you’re down there, move the dryer and vacuum under it.
Don’t neglect the water heater
It’s easy to take the hot water heater for granted. It works for us 24/7, but we rarely think about it. When it’s not working properly, your power bill will rise. Even worse than that, it can cause extensive damage to your home if its contents begin leaking out. Hard water, rust, and leaks can cause sediment buildup that can damage the heating elements. If you see signs of corrosion at the base of your water heater, or if you see water leaking around it, call a professional immediately to repair or replace it, before major damage happens.
Where there’s smoke…
You’re doing a monthly check of your fire extinguishers, right? Here’s more. During your springtime home maintenance, take a closer look at the hose and nozzle to ensure they are in working condition. Make sure the pressure gauge is “in the green.” If pressure is down, find a service in your area to recharge the extinguisher, or replace it quickly.
On the subject of smoke, spring is the time to test your smoke detectors and replace their batteries. You need a smoke detector on every level of your home, including the basement. Do the same check and battery replacement on your carbon monoxide detectors. You can never be “too careful” when it concerning deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
Over years of living in your home, it’s easy to forget simple maintenance or just not notice problems that are easily fixed. Stick to this checklist every spring, and your home will remain in good shape for many more years to come.
Buying or selling a home?
Avoid unpleasant surprises! Contact Asheville Home Inspector Peter Young before signing any contracts. Call (828) 808-4980, or click here to make an appointment.
