Spring Into Home Maintenance!

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, there’s a positive energy in the air. For many people, it’s the perfect time to reorganize and refresh their home, while others eagerly get to work in the yard and garden.

While it’s easy to get caught up in spring cleaning and planting, this is also one of the most important times of the year for home maintenance.

Of course, you already know to set your clocks forward for daylight-saving time, which begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8 this year, and to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s a good idea to do a basic checkup in some other key areas, too. After all, winter can be rough on your home.

These tips, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and others, can help. Call it “spring training” for homeowners.

Yard and Exterior

• Check for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc.
   
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
   
• Trim tree branches and shrubs that are hanging too close to your home or to utility wires, and remove dead trees.
   
• Examine your deck and/or balconies for loose boards or railings, as well as any rot.
   
• Ensure that mulch and soil isn’t in contact with your home’s siding.

Roof, Siding, Windows

• Check for damage to your shingles, including mildew and algae; have a professional inspect and repair your roof, if necessary.
   
• Go into the attic to check for signs of roof leakage, such as visible moisture or discoloration.
   
• Look for peeling paint. Remember, paint is about more than appearance. A good paint job also protects against the effects of weather.
   
• Check for leaks around window and door sills. Properly sealed windows and doors can help prevent damage and lower your energy costs.

Interior and Appliances

• Examine your basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping. Take action immediately, if needed, to avoid mold.
   
• Clean dryer exhaust hose and vent. Lint build-up in this area is a common cause of fires, so do a thorough job by moving the dryer and disconnecting both ends of the hose.
   
• Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens.
   
• Check all air filters and replace, if necessary.
   
• Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils to help your unit run efficiently.

These tasks will help keep you and your family safe, and they can also help save you from costly repairs or homeowners insurance claims. So remember, when spring rolls around, there’s a lot more to do than cleaning and changing your clocks.

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