It’s the time of year for spring cleaning: dusting the top of cabinets, sweeping beneath appliances, and decluttering by getting rid of furniture and belongings you no longer need. Take advantage of the warmer weather to also complete a few important spring home maintenance tasks. It can be tough to know where to start, so use the following list of six projects for you to tackle before summer.
1. Inspect & Repair the Roof
The roof of your home is the first line of defense against harsh weather and pests. Take the time to inspect your roof and fix any issues. Damage caused by a failing roof is often costly to repair.
Inspect the roof from the attic. Can you see light coming inside? If so, water can get in, too. Look for damp insulation and dark stains that are signs of water damage. Next, look at the condition of the roof from outside. Things such as broken shingles, algae growth, and discoloration are examples of a roof in need of small repairs. Severe leaks or large patches of missing or damaged shingles often mean that it’s time for a roof replacement.
2. Check Window Seals & Doors
To save money on energy bills, check your door and window seals. This is important before you start using the air conditioning system. During winter, seals can expand and crack. If seals are damaged, you’ll need to replace them before summer. Otherwise, you’ll waste energy trying to cool the house. Caulking around the windows and doors is simple, yet effective.
3. Gutter Cleaning is One of the Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks
Gutter cleaning is another important task. Your home’s guttering system helps direct the flow of water off the roof and away from the house. Gutters that are clogged with leaves, twigs, animal nests, and other debris can overflow and damage your home. When water pools near the foundation, it may leak into your basement and cause mold growth.
4. Service the HVAC System
An essential task to accomplish this year is servicing your HVAC system. Don’t let a broken AC unit catch you by surprise during the heat of summer. If you are not familiar with how to clean or conduct maintenance on an HVAC system, call a professional and schedule an appointment.
5. Clean the Garbage Cans
When it’s cold outside, you’re not as likely to thoroughly clean trash bins. Take the trash out and use the garden hose to rinse debris from the bins. Scrub them clean with hot, soapy water and rinse again. Another thing that is often overlooked is the in-sink food waste disposal. It’s simple to clean by pouring ½ cup of baking soda into the disposal followed by a ½ cup of vinegar. After a few minutes, run hot water down the drain to rinse.
6. Spring Home Maintenance Tasks: Weather-Seal Wooden Decks
Throughout the seasons, your deck experiences all of the elements, from winter snow to rain and hot sunlight. Over time, weathering affects the look and the durability of your deck. When the temperatures start to rise, spend a weekend repairing any damage. You’ll make your deck safer and ready to enjoy. Pressure-wash the deck, sand rough spots, hammer or drill fasteners back into the wood, and replace any damaged or rotting boards. Paint or re-seal the deck to help protect it for another year.
Buyer’s Edge provides professional home inspections to Western North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an appointment.