YOUR SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

Saying sayonara to winter means it’s time to check our homes for wear and tear and prepare them for the warm weather ahead.

Longer, milder days make spring an excellent time to tackle some basic home maintenance and projects. By taking the time to do a bit of seasonal inspecting and work, you can keep your home in good condition and ultimately save yourself from having to do major repairs in the future.

Breeze your home into spring with our home maintenance checklist below:

1. Check the roof of your home for loose or damaged shingles

Winter storms and freezing temperatures can take a toll on the roof of your home. A simple visual inspection of your roof can reveal damage or loose shingles due to heavy snow build up and ice. If you note areas or shingles that need closer inspection or repair, call a professional.

2. Clean gutters and downspouts

It’s important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired every year. The pair when functioning properly work to divert water from your home so it doesn’t collect around your foundation. Maintenance in the early season can also help prevent damage from spring rains. When neglected, clogged gutters and downspouts can cause wood trim and eaves to rot and invite unwanted critters into your home.

3. Have an HVAC professional inspect your AC system

HVAC manufacturers recommend having your air conditioning unit inspected at least once per year. Regular inspections ensure that your HVAC system operates smoothly and that it operates at its most efficient level. It also will prolong the life of the system.

4. Verify sump pump is operating properly

Living in New England means subjecting your home to heavy rain and excessive snow. Roughly 60% of homes have some type of moisture in their basements and crawl spaces. Sump pumps eliminate moisture and also prevent flooding. You’ll want to check that your sump pump is expelling this moisture properly and away from the foundation of your home.

5. Check siding for deterioration and missing/loose pieces

Sleet, freezing rain, strong winds, icicles and ice dams are all aspects of winter that can result in damage to the siding of a house. When inspecting for damage on the exterior of your home, check for broken siding, warped boards, loose panels, leaky seals, and dents or holes.

6. Deep clean siding, decks, and patios

Pressure washing the exterior of your home is a great way to clean off all of the dirt and grime that has built up over the winter months and can help restore your siding to its original condition. The proper cleaning and maintenance of your decks and patios can also protect these structures from rot and can preserve their appearance for years to come.

7. Inspect windows and doors for gaps and cracks

Look for any gaps or cracks around your windows and doorframes. Leaking in those areas can cause moisture to travel within your walls and cause rot in the frame of your home.

8. Trim/remove dead trees and shrubs

Start trimming and pruning in the early season while trees and plants are still inactive. This protects and encourages healthy spring growth.

9. Test smoke alarms and CO detectors

Testing the detectors in your home should be done each month and building this responsibility into your spring maintenance routine can ensure that it’s not overlooked. In addition to testing them, the batteries in smoke alarms and CO detectors should be changed every six months to ensure they continue to operate. We recommend changing them in the spring/fall.

10. Check fire extinguishers and replace if necessary

Like the smoke alarms and CO detectors in your home, it’s best to check your fire extinguishers every month. When inspecting your extinguishers, follow these 5 steps:

1. Ensure you have easy access in order to respond quickly in the case of an emergency
2. Gauge the pressure and make sure the pressure needle is pointing to the green area
3. Confirm the hose and pin are in place
4. Look for physical damage
5. Replace if necessary

FOR QUICK AND EASY REFERENCE, DOWNLOAD YOUR SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST HERE!