Top Spring Home Maintenance Tips
With the snow melted, now is the time to plan your spring home maintenance chores. It’s especially important in Minnesota where our dry winters bring plenty of snow, ice, and cold followed by hot and humid summers. If you took care of your home last fall, then your springtime efforts will be primarily looking for problems brought on by winter weather. Here’s a handy checklist to get you started.
Look for Exterior Damage.
Take a good hard look at your roof, chimney, foundation, and exterior concrete for damage, cracks, and buckles. If you suspect your roof had any ice dams, you may want to hire a professional to help prevent them next year. Don’t forget to check the siding, look for peeling paint, holes in brick or stone, or any missing mortar. Check the weather stripping on all windows and doors, too. Now is the time to reseal and repair any damage to ensure your summer is worry free!
Clean the Gutters.
Make sure to get rid of all the accumulated leaves and debris in your gutters before rain backs up and damage your roof. While you’re at it, check for any cracks or bad connections in the system.
Give Drainage a Good Grade.
To protect your foundation, your yard should be graded to drain water outward. Now is the time to make sure this is the case, so look for settling or damage from animals. Don’t forget to check behind bushes or other vegetation near your foundation for low spots and clean out any dead wood. Make sure any pooling water drains away within 24 hours. And while you’re looking for low spots, keep an eye out for anything in your yard that could hold even a small amount of water. Whether it’s a playset or a lawn decoration, anything that allows water to sit for a few days can become a mosquito incubator.
Faucets and Irrigation.
Another outdoor chore is to inspect your exterior faucets for leaks and damage. Repair if needed. And you might want to call for a professional inspection if you have an in-ground irrigation system.
Make Sure Air Conditioning is Cool.
Don’t wait until it’s 90-degrees to see if your AC is working properly. If you have central air and a service agreement, give them a call now. Otherwise, check your user guide or look online for tips on what to look for to keep your window unit, swamp cooler, or other AC in tip-top shape.
Screen your Screens.
Get out the screens and inspect for damage. Repair or replace before the first batch of mosquitoes finds any holes!
Spruce up the Mower.
Change oil in the lawn mower, sharpen the blades, and double check that it’s ready to go.
Keeping your home in good shape is the best way to maintain your investment. Delaying repairs and upkeep will just make the problems bigger so don’t put it off!
Written by Wendy Danks
Wendy Danks (wendydoodles.com) has had a career-long love affair with the Parade of Homes, spending the last 20 years as its marketing and communications director. Recently retired, she now has time to spend on her other great love, writing.