April showers bring May flowers and, with it, the joys of spring. The exciting prospect of soaking up some extra vitamin D and basking in the sun-shiny bliss of the season is near. While spring has been stereotypically defined as the ideal season for cleaning, it’s also the perfect time to whip out your home maintenance checklist. Don’t have one? Follow our spring maintenance checklist to spruce up your home for the season.
The Key to Becoming a Big, Mean Spring-Cleaning Machine
It’s time to spring into action and get your cleaning groove on! Stretch, let out a sigh of relief, and welcome the slightly annoying but beloved seasonal cliché that is spring cleaning. As you prepare for your projects, look to this spring home maintenance to-do list for tips on readying your residence for another glorious year of seasonal fun.
✔ Clean Out Your Gutters and Downspouts
After many wintry months of snow and ice, it’s important to check the condition of your gutters for leaks, clogs, and other signs of damage. As you do, keep an eye out for loose hinges and ensure that your downspouts are properly positioned to drain away from your home’s foundation.
✔ Give Your Deck Some TLC
Prepare your outdoor living area for BBQs and get-togethers by conditioning woodwork, decks, and patio spaces with a sealant. Also check for water stains, rusty nails, and loose railings or stairs, as these outdoor living areas are bound to see lots of warm-weather activities and should be properly maintained to preserve their finish and avoid potential rot.
✔ Inspect Paved Areas for Cracks
Don’t tempt fate by stepping on a crack; your mother will thank you later. In all seriousness, cracks in your driveway or walkways can escalate into bigger problems over time. When water seeps into hairline fractures in your pavement, it can worsen the fissure by expanding and contracting with the changing temperatures. Spotting these faults in your pavement and sealing them can help smooth the surface area before issues arise.
✔ Check Water Pipes and Irrigation Systems
Spring home maintenance 101 includes tending to your garden and lawn. To achieve this, you’ll need a functional irrigation system. Make sure to run any outdoor waterspouts, hoses, and other water systems to check and remedy potential piping issues.
✔ Service Your HVAC Unit
With the warm seasons afoot, now is the time to inspect your HVAC unit. If you’re uncomfortable with cleaning and servicing your unit, hire a professional contractor to evaluate the state of your appliance before the next heatwave strikes.
✔ Inspect the Condition of Your Windows
The seals on a window are often its first line of defense against air leakage and water infiltration, so be sure to check that the caulking and weatherstripping seals on your home windows are intact. Additionally, check for cracked panes and other types of visible damage to ensure the efficiency of the product.
✔ Prep Your Pool
Once the weather permits, prepare your pool for the upcoming warm weather. Carefully remove the pool cover and follow instructions to reconnect your pool equipment and turn its systems back on.
✔ Check Your Attic or Basement
If your area received a lot of precipitation – snowfall, ice, or rain – it is imperative that you check your attic and/or basement for signs of potential water damage. Some of these indicators include water stains, discoloration, and warping.
Spring is the ideal time to consider making upgrades to your home. If you happen to run into some larger issues while crossing off your checklist, or decide you’d like to tackle a spring home maintenance project, then reach out to Tundraland – we’re happy to help. In the meantime, we’ll be running through this task list ourselves. Good luck!