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Months of harsh weather have taken their toll on your home, and it's time to address the hidden damage. Your annual spring home maintenance checklist is here to help you proactively repair leaks, clear winter debris, and prepare your vital systems for the warmer months, helping prevent costly future issues and protect your property.
If you ignore these essential spring home maintenance tasks, small cracks and minor leaks can escalate into major repairs, resulting in property damage that will ultimately cost you more in the long run. This comprehensive spring home maintenance checklist acts as your expert guide for the season, ensuring you focus your maintenance efforts where they matter most: the exterior envelope, drainage systems, and key interior appliances.
First, conduct an exterior inspection of your home to identify any damage caused by winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
Gutter cleaning is one of those spring tasks that can't be skipped. Clogged gutters are a primary source of water damage to siding and basements.
Get your gutters cleaned: Remove all packed debris and shingle fragments. Use a hose to flush the gutters and downspouts, and ensure they drain properly. If clogs are left untreated, they can cause water to overflow and seep behind your siding.
Take a good look at the roof: Do a visual inspection and check for any loose or missing shingles. If you find loose shingles, replace them right away. Inspect the flashing around chimneys and vents for any cracks or gaps that could let water in. Even minor leaks now can turn into major headaches in the fall.
Clean out the vents: Inspect and clear the roof vents and the exterior dryer vent opening to remove accumulated lint and debris. This keeps the air flowing and reduces the risk of fires.
Don't overlook the foundation inspection - it's a vital step in preventing structural issues and leaks in the basement.
Take a look at the foundation: Walk around the exterior and inspect the visible foundation for any hairline cracks. Spring thaw often exposes cracks caused by frost heave. Seal any non-structural cracks with a concrete patch to prevent future issues. If you've got larger cracks, it's best to call in a pro.
Check the ground slope: Ensure the ground around your house continues to slope away from the foundation. If the ground has levelled out, it's pooling water, which is a major contributor to basement leaks. Adjusting the landscaping or adding topsoil can help water drain away.
Inspect the driveway: Cracks near the house can funnel water toward the foundation. Seal these cracks as part of your spring home maintenance checklist.
Your doors and windows are crucial components of your house's exterior shell - they keep the bad weather out and the good weather in, and they're also key to keeping your energy bills in check.
Inspect your windows and doors: Take a close look at the caulking around all your windows and doors. Check for any cracks, gaps, or loose seals that might have developed over the winter. Replace any worn-out caulking to prevent air leaks and water leaks.
Cleaning Your Windows: Take the time to give your home windows a thorough, thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Don't forget the siding and window frames - give them a good wash to get rid of any winter grime that may have built up.
Inspecting Your Siding: Check for loose or damaged siding and address repairs immediately to prevent moisture from entering and damaging the underlying structure.
Before the warmer weather really kicks in, there are a few key interior maintenance tasks to address, especially for your heating and plumbing systems.
The heating season is finally over, but the air conditioner is getting ready to kick into gear.
Shutting Down the Furnace: If you haven't already, turn off the furnace power and vacuum the exterior to remove any dust and debris that may have accumulated. One more thing: swap out the filter before the summer season begins so you know your system is clean from the start.
Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for Prime Time: Give the air conditioner condenser unit a thorough cleaning to remove any winter covers and debris that may have accumulated. Make sure it's clear of trees and lawn clippings as well. Inspect the coolant lines for leaks.
Replacing the Filter: Replace the main HVAC filter one last time before running the air conditioner to ensure clean air in the house. Clean out all the vents and return air grates inside the home. Get a good vacuum in there to clean out any dust that's accumulated - it'll make a big difference for the air quality.
Checking the Thermostat: Double-check the thermostat settings to ensure it's transitioning from heat to cool.
Your plumbing system is likely due for a little TLC, especially with the winterizing removal process complete.
Turning the Water Back On: The most critical spring home maintenance task is probably turning the water back on to the exterior faucets. First - make sure the exterior faucets are closed. Then, head down to the basement and slowly turn the main shut-off valve. Keep an eye out for any leaks around the valve and on the pipes.
Drain Cleaning: Do you have any slow-draining sinks or tubs? Now is the perfect time to address those issues. Try using a mild drain cleaner or a plumbing snake to clear out any clogs and buildup. Give the sink traps a thorough cleaning to remove any debris.
Drain and Sewer Inspection: If you're experiencing recurring issues, schedule a professional inspection of your main sewer line and drains. Winter thaw can sometimes cause sewer lines to shift or get damaged.
Inspecting Your Basement Pipes: Take a close look at all exposed basement pipes for leaks or signs of wear from freezing. If you spot any issues, replace the worn sections or add insulation to protect them going forward.
Your family's safety is a top priority. Use this home maintenance checklist to go over all your key security and safety appliances.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Give your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors a good once-over. Replace the batteries and give them a thorough exterior cleaning to remove any accumulated dust. Don't forget to check the expiration date on your carbon monoxide detector; it should be replaced every 5-7 years.
Fire Extinguishers: Ensure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and easily accessible in an emergency.
Electrical Panel and Outlets: Inspect your electrical panel and outlets for signs of overheating. Test all your ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, basement, and exterior outlets to ensure they're working correctly. Remember to install GFCIs in all wet areas to prevent electrical accidents.
Spring weather is just about the perfect time for getting some outdoor work done - whether it's patching up that deck or getting the exterior of your house in ship shape.
Deck and Fence Repair: Take a good, hard look at your deck and fence - are there any loose boards, vexing nails, or unsightly cracks? If so, you should get on that right away - your safety depends on it. Sand the wood and give it a thorough scrub to prepare it for sealing or painting.
Give the Outside a Good Clean: Give your house and driveway a thorough wash to remove winter salt and dirt. Not only does it make your place look nicer, but it also helps prevent long-term damage from setting in.
Tidy Up Your Landscaping and Trees: If any trees or shrubs have gotten so big they're touching your roof or siding, now's the time to trim them back. It'll prevent damage and reduce moisture entering the house. Tidy up the lawn and garden beds too - you don't want to be stuck with a load of work come summer when you'd rather be enjoying the sunshine.
Doing proper spring home maintenance is key to avoiding the hassle that comes when things go wrong. Of course, if any jobs are a bit beyond you, hiring a pro is a great way to save time and money.
Take one last look at that home maintenance list of yours - are all your windows and doors sealed up nice and tight? Are those gutters clean, and all your exterior faucets in working order? If you spot anything that needs fixing - get on it. And if you're dealing with more serious damage like a leaky roof or foundation - call in a pro - don't leave it to the last minute. You won't regret getting all this stuff done while the weather's still nice - you'll be enjoying a stress-free summer in no time, and your place will be in great nick.
And while you're at it, make sure all GFCI outlets are properly installed in wet areas. If you're dealing with any major leaks in the basement or plumbing, call in a professional to sort it out.
