The colorless days of winter are behind us at last! There are only positives from here – warmer weather, longer days, and beautiful flowers.
For many folks, spring means different things. For some, spring means the return of the camping season, and for others, it means the start of the baseball season. Though, for homeowners, spring is the season for general home maintenance.
While often overlooked by many homeowners, prepping your home for spring provides valuable protection for your Dallas, TX property.
So, what exactly should you include in your spring home maintenance checklist? Well, continue reading to find out.
1. Roof
Your roof is your home’s primary defense against all outdoor elements. When it’s compromised, your whole home is at risk. In addition, it can cost you a pretty penny to fix further down the line.
Now that spring is here, and the weather is nice, you can set up your ladder and inspect your roof. It’s the perfect time to make sure the winter seasons hasn’t caused any damage to it.
Do you see any signs of a leak inside your home or on the roof? Do the soffits or fascia have soft spots, holes, or damaged parts? Are there rust spots on the roof flashing? Are any shingles curling, loose, or damaged?
If you notice any of these things, call a roofing expert immediately. Left unattended, the spring showers may only make the problem worse!
2. Gutters & Extensions
Poor or improper drainage can cause water damage to your home and its foundation. That’s why it’s important to inspect your gutters. Routine gutter inspection and maintenance should be conducted at least twice a year: once the beginning of fall, and once the beginning of spring.
Springtime is an important time to clean out your gutters. It allows you to get rid of all the left-over leaves and debris from the fall.
With the rain coming in, the last thing you want is trouble directing the water away from your property. That just spells foundation flooding problem.
There are a few signs that your gutters are in dire need of cleaning.
- Staining on your home’s siding
- Sagging gutter
- Water spilling over the sides
- Birds of pests near the roof
If you notice any of these signs, find a way to safely inspect your home or building’s gutters.
3. Exterior Walls
Whether you have stucco, cement-based siding, or vinyl siding, springtime is a great time to look for trouble spots. Especially under eaves and near gutter downspouts; keep an out for water stains as these often point to inadequate runoff.
You may also notice paint has peeled away from the wall. When this happens, the siding becomes susceptible to moisture damage. Be aware of any cracks, as well, as it might reveal larger problems with your foundation.
If you are thinking of repainting your home’s exterior, it’s a great idea. It not only adds an extra layer of protection, but it also gives your home a newer look. Before starting, it’s recommended to look at the weather ahead of time. Warmer, dryer days, such as the end of spring, are always better for exterior painting.
Left unattended, these issues can lead to expensive repairs down the road. So, if you notice any of these issues, act fast!
4. Foundation Cracks
While often overlooked, the foundation of your home is an important structural component. A damaged foundation can have a serious impact on the structural integrity of your Dallas home.
Clear away all the debris that was left from winter and take a good look at your foundation. If you notice any cracks forming or starting to form you should hire a foundation repair professional to determine the root cause.
5. Chimney
If you’re house or building has a chimney, now is a great time to inspect it.
Lookout for moisture content in mortar and bricks as it can damage the chimney. Also check if the chimney is leaning or tilting, as this is a symptom of a failing foundation.
With the moist weather coming, you may also notice vegetation growing in your chimney. If so, water may have penetrated the chimney and it may be time to take care of it.
6. Plumbing
A single burst pipe can cost a lot in water damage cleanup and repair fees.
Take the time to test your home’s faucets, inside and out, for indications of leakage. Are your drains clogged or your pipes sweaty? If so, have then inspected, it could be a sign of trouble.
Also, remember to check your appliances. Are there any signs of water stains? If so, have them fixed. Don’t forget your washing machines, too. Check the hoses for dampness, bulges or cracks.
7. Landscaping
Your spring preparations should begin with yard cleanup. After a long winter, your yard probably needs some care and attention.
As much as beautifying your lawn is the summer goal, it cannot be done without first ensuring its conditions. With spring about, protecting your home or apartment from water damage is priority number one.
After cleaning all the debris from the yard, take a look at your landscape sloping. Assess whether or not the water is being funneled away from your home. It’s common to have your slope regraded each year to ensure the water is being drained properly.
You should also check your lawn for any holes or craters. If you notice any, you should have them filled immediately before they become full of water.
8. Sidewalks & Driveways
After the winter it is common to find cracks and holes in the sidewalks and driveways. Have them fixed as soon as possible, before the problem gets worse.
9. Dryer Vents
Clogged dryer vents can cause fires among other things. Ensuring dryer vents are free from lint and other debris can help prevent fires from occurring.
Warning signs of a clogged dryer vent include burning smells, and increased drying time, and machine temperature.
Moreover, you want to also check your outdoor vent hood opening. Is it losing as it should?
10. Air Conditioner
Many homeowners usually wait until the heat of summer to check their air conditioners.
Turn on your unit every now and then to check whether it’s functioning as it should.
There are some simple tasks that you can do to help keep your system running smooth. Some are as follows:
- Check the condenser unit fan
- Examine the thermostat
- Check the wiring and components
- Clean and/or replace air filter
- Clean outside the unit
There you have it. Ten home maintenance tips to get your home ready for spring. Some problems are easy to detect, while others require an expert eye.