Spring Maintenance Checklist

Roof Repair

If you live in a state that gets a lot of snow, your roof probably takes some damage in the winter. Spring is the perfect time to check your roof for signs of leaks or damage. Make sure your shingles are still intact, and replace any if needed.

Inspect Your Siding and Paint

Another area that can be hit hard during the winter is your siding and paint, which can be damaged from cold temperatures and moisture. If these are cracked or peeling, the wood can become susceptible to water damage from the rain. Look for any exposed wood, and fix the paint or siding before the April showers arrive.

Clean the Vents

Any vents on the exterior of your home (from bathrooms, oven ranges, or dryers) can become easily cluttered with leaves and debris. Make sure to clear these out to prevent fires and keep them working efficiently.

Check Gutters

Broken or clogged gutters are not only an eyesore; they can damage your roof or even cause flooding in your home. If a gutter has a leak, it can lead to pooling around the home’s foundation, which can eventually lead to flooding. Clean out any debris from the gutters, check for leaks, and make sure the gutters drain as intended.

Check for Pests

Insects will seek out warm places to nest during the winter, and begin breeding in the spring. That’s why it’s crucial to check both the exterior and interior of your home for signs of pests at the start of spring. Dead insects, eggs, or ruined wood are all good indicators that you may have an infestation. If you see any of these signs, contact an exterminator to have the home sprayed.

Replace Damaged Screens

Speaking of pests, torn window screens are a great way to invite more of them into your home. Make sure to check all of your window screens, and if you do find any damage, it’s time to re-screen that window. This can be done at home with some new screen and a spline roller tool, or most local hardware stores will do it for you.

Check Your Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

This is an easy step, but important enough to check every season. To test your alarms, simply push the test button on the device until it makes a sound. If nothing happens when you push the button, replace the batteries and test again. If an alarm doesn’t sound even after replacing the batteries, it may be time to purchase a new alarm. Each unit should be tested separately; just because one works, doesn’t mean they all do.

Service Your Air Conditioner

Depending on where you live, you may not need the air conditioner until the summer, but that doesn’t mean you should wait to service it. Coils and drain pans should be cleaned, and filters should be changed. If you haven’t had the unit serviced in a while, consider contacting an HVAC professional for a tune up. They can test the unit to make sure it’s working at top efficiency, as well as check for any safety issues.