The Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Renewal and Repair
As the weather warms, it’s time to assess any winter damage and prepare your home for the active months ahead. Spring is all about cleaning, inspecting, and tuning up systems for the coming heat.
Exterior Inspection and Cleanup
Gutters and Downspouts: Winter storms can fill gutters with leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof and foundation. After the last frost, clear them out completely. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 3-5 feet away from your foundation.
Roof and Chimney: From the ground, use binoculars to look for damaged, missing, or curled shingles. Check the flashing around vents and the chimney. If you see significant issues, it’s time to call a professional roofer. Do not climb onto your roof unless you have the proper safety training and equipment.
Siding and Foundation: Walk the perimeter of your home. Look for cracks in the foundation, peeling paint, or damaged siding. Fill small cracks in concrete with a concrete repair caulk. Note any larger issues for a professional mason or contractor to review.
Windows and Screens: Wash interior and exterior windows to let in the spring light. While you’re there, inspect and repair any torn or bent window screens. This is your first line of defense against summer pests.
Yard and Garden Prep
Drainage: Ensure the soil around your foundation slopes away from the house to prevent water intrusion. This is called “grading.” A proper slope drops about 6 inches over the first 10 feet. If you see pooling water, you may need to add more soil to build up the grade.
Sprinkler Systems and Hoses: Turn your exterior water back on. Check sprinkler heads for damage and proper operation. Inspect garden hoses for cracks or leaks that may have developed over the winter.
Trees and Shrubs: Trim any branches that are touching or hanging over your roof. This prevents damage to your shingles and limits access for pests like squirrels and raccoons.
Interior Systems Check
HVAC System: Have your air conditioning system professionally serviced before the first heat wave. A technician will clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure it’s running efficiently. You can do your part by changing the air filter.
Smoke and CO Detectors: This is a task for every season, but spring is a great time to start. Test all alarms. Replace the batteries if they are not hardwired. Most detectors need to be replaced entirely every 7-10 years; check the date of manufacture on the back.
Sump Pump: If you have a basement or crawlspace, test your sump pump before the heavy spring rains begin. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump activates, removes the water, and shuts off properly.
