10 Spring Home Maintenance Tasks That Shouldn’t Be Ignored

As the spring season arrives, it’s time to start thinking about home maintenance tasks that can help keep your home in great shape for the upcoming months. Spring cleaning is not just about decluttering and tidying up the inside of your home; it’s also a great opportunity to tackle some exterior maintenance tasks that can improve your home’s curb appeal and prevent costly repairs.

From cleaning gutters to inspecting your cooling system, here’s a helpful “To-Do” Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to help you get started.

To keep rain water flowing freely through the gutters and away from your home’s foundation, and to prevent water from backing up into your home, clearing all the leaves and debris out of your gutters and downspouts is an important job to do in the Spring. Even if your property had a fall cleanup last year, twigs and leaves can still accumulate over the windy winter months, especially if your home has nearby trees.

Once you’ve removed the larger debris, use a garden hose to wash off any remaining dirt, including roof shingle granules. It’s also important to ensure that all downspouts are properly positioned to face away from your home, and into splash blocks. This will help direct the water away from your home’s foundation and prevent potential water damage.

Check for any signs of damage or wear and tear on your roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or holes. Also, inspect areas of roof flashing against walls, chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. If you notice anything concerning, it’s best to call a professional roofer to take a closer look.

Winter weather can cause the sealant around your windows and doors to harden and crack, which can lead to drafts and energy loss. Check all of those areas and repair or replace as needed to keep your home sealed, and help keep your home energy costs under control by keeping the weather outside.

Inspect the seals around your windows and doors carefully for any signs of wear or damage, and be sure to replace any that are compromised to prevent drafts and energy loss.

As the warm weather approaches, it’s time to think about setting up screens to keep insects out of your home. But before you do, make sure to carefully inspect each window and door screen for any holes or tears and repair them as needed. This will not only keep bugs out but also improve the overall look of your home.

Fortunately, most home-improvement and hardware stores sell easy-to-use screen repair kits, so fixing any damage should be a breeze. Add this task to your spring home maintenance checklist to ensure your screens are in good condition and ready for the upcoming season.

Inspect your driveway, patio, and any other concrete slabs around your home for cracks or other types of damage. Repairing any cracks or damage can help prevent further deterioration and prolong the lifespan of your concrete surfaces. To fix cracks, you can use a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. If needed, you can also pressure wash and seal the concrete to protect it from weather damage and wear and tear.

It’s also important to inspect your home’s foundation for any signs of damage or cracks. The foundation is a crucial component of your home’s structure and any damage can lead to serious structural issues. If you notice any damage or cracks, it’s important to address them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A professional contractor can help you assess any damage and recommend the appropriate repairs.

Adding these tasks to your spring home maintenance checklist can help ensure your home remains structurally safe and sound, while also improving the curb appeal of your home.

After a long winter, it’s important to inspect your outside hose faucets for any damage caused by freezing temperatures. Turn on all your exterior water faucets and carefully check for any leaks or signs of damage. If you notice any issues, such as a damaged faucet or leaks, it’s important to replace the damaged parts or make the necessary repairs to prevent water damage.

A quick way to check an outside faucet is to cover the faucet opening with your thumb and turn on the water. The water pressure should not allow you to stop the water, If you can stop the water flow, your inside pipe is damaged and would need to be replaced.

If you left your garden hoses outside during the winter months, inspect them for any signs of damage or leaks as well. Taking the time to add this task to your spring home maintenance checklist can help you identify and repair any issues with your exterior water sources and prevent costly water damage to your home.

After the harsh winter weather as ended, and before the hot summer months arrive, early spring is the perfect time to service your home cooling system. You can address any issues or necessary repairs before the peak season when HVAC technicians may be busier and response times may be slower. This proactive approach can help prevent system breakdowns during the hottest months of the year and ensure that your system is running efficiently and effectively, which can ultimately save you money in the long run.

While it’s important to have a professional contractor service your air conditioning system, there are also some steps you can take to maintain your HVAC system yourself. One simple task is to regularly replace your air filters, which can help improve the efficiency of your system and prolong its lifespan. You can also clean the air registers and vents throughout your home to ensure proper air flow.  Also, check the exterior of your AC unit for any debris or damage and clear away any obstructions to maintain proper air flow.

Regular heating and cooling system maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you money, and a lot unnecessary frustration, in the long run.

This is a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them to make sure they’re functioning properly. It’s recommended that you test your detectors at least once a month and replace them every 10 years.

So, take the time to test your detectors as part of your spring home maintenance checklist to ensure that your home is a safe and secure place for you and your family.

If you have outdoor furniture, Spring is a good time of year to give it a good inspection and cleaning to ensure everything is still in good condition. Check your outside furniture for any signs of damage, such as cracks, splinters, or rust, and replace any damaged pieces to keep your outdoor living space safe to use and looking its best.

One eco-friendly cleaning solution for outdoor furniture is a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Simply spray the solution onto the furniture and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. You can also add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power. This solution is safe for plants, pets, and children.

Spring is the perfect time to inspect your lawn and landscaping for any damage or signs of disease. You should also clean up any debris and remove dead plants to promote healthy growth in the coming months. Pruning overgrown trees and shrubs now will help keep them looking their best all summer.

In addition to regular property maintenance, fertilizing your lawn and plants in the spring can provide them with the necessary nutrients to thrive throughout the summer. It’s important to choose the right type of fertilizer and apply it at the appropriate time for your specific region and climate.

If you prefer to hire a landscaping service, it’s a good idea to line up landscape contractors early in the season to ensure availability and avoid any delays. Be sure to communicate your expectations clearly and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about their services.

Taking the time in the Spring to tackle these 10 helpful home maintenance tasks can not only help improve the overall appearance of your home and ensure its in top condition for the upcoming season, but will also save you money on repairs and energy costs in the long run.

• Inspecting and repairing any damage to your roof, gutters, and foundation can prevent costly leaks and water damage.
• Checking and repairing your window and door seals, screens, and concrete slabs can keep your home properly sealed and energy-efficient.
• Servicing your HVAC system and replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can ensure your safety and comfort throughout the summer season.
• Cleaning and inspecting your outdoor furniture, lawn, and landscaping can enhance your outdoor living space and promote healthy growth.
• Remember to line up your landscaping service early and use eco-friendly cleaning solutions to protect your plants, pets, and children.

By being proactive and tackling these tasks now, you can enjoy a worry-free and comfortable spring and summer season in your home.