Spring cleaning is a part of many homeowners’ to-do list for the season. However, in addition to cleaning out your closets and dusting all your furniture, it’s important to pay attention to the outside of your home, too. Here are some key things to focus on during spring maintenance for your home’s exterior.
Initial Inspection
The first thing you should do when it comes to spring home maintenance is perform an initial inspection of the outside of your home. Take a walk around your property, and be on the lookout for anything that’s damaged or needs repair.
Especially after winter, certain elements of your home’s exterior are more susceptible to damage, like the roof, windows, gutters, and deck. Before moving forward with maintenance, it’s crucial to take the time to inspect all parts of your house and determine if anything needs repair in order to be fully prepared for the upcoming seasons.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to rotting, so make sure that your home’s gutters and downspouts are free of any leaves or debris. Additionally, if your area was hit with a lot of snow over the winter, be sure to check to make sure that the weight of the snow didn’t cause any of your gutters to detach from the house.
It’s also a good idea to check to see if your gutters are draining properly. This can be done by simply spraying some water on your roof with a hose and looking for leaks. If you come across any cracks or leaks, use some epoxy to fill them in as soon as possible.
Siding and Exterior Walls
Power washing is the best way to make your siding look as good as new, depending on the type of siding. Throughout the winter, mold and outdoor-related stains can accumulate, so it’s important to take care of these as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage that will necessitate a full siding replacement.
Checking other walls for cracks and openings is also important because leaving these seemingly insignificant imperfections can lead to small insects, like carpenter ants burrowing or termites, inside the walls of your house, causing even more damage. Performing routine maintenance and patching up and repairing problem areas is crucial in maintaining the integrity of your home’s exterior.
Windows
Windows are a very important aspect of spring home maintenance and should not be overlooked. First, take a look at the window seals, weather stripping, and caulking. If any of these are out of place or damaged, it can lead to unwanted air and water entering your home.
After you deem that your window seals and caulking are intact, it’s time for some window cleaning. Window cleaning solutions are sold in many stores, but you can also make your own with rubbing alcohol, white wine vinegar, and water. Remember to use a soft cloth or something gentle for window cleaning, as rough or abrasive materials can damage the glass.
While cleaning your windows, don’t forget about the screens. Over time, window screens are bound to accumulate a fair amount of debris and small bugs. There’s no way to prevent this from happening, but regular upkeep throughout the spring and summer will help prevent too much debris from building up. Feel free to remove the screen so you can effectively wipe it down without fear of it falling out of the window.
Decks and Porches
Your wood deck should definitely be inspected once it starts warming up outside. Make sure you are looking out for deteriorating or rotting wood because, if left untreated, it can be a serious safety hazard. Also keep an eye out for any damage from pests, like termites.
It’s a good idea to pressure wash your deck once a year, and spring is the perfect time to do this. It is recommended that you use the lowest pressure on the washer for wood decks. Higher pressures can damage the wood, causing it to crack or chip, which will need a deck replacement.
Roof
Winter storms can take a toll on your roof, so be sure to inspect it thoroughly once spring rolls around. Luckily, this doesn’t mean you have to grab a ladder and climb onto your roof in order to get a good look at things. A pair of binoculars and a sharp eye should be enough for spotting damage.
Be on the lookout for shingles that are missing or cracked, damaged flashing, or anything that just doesn’t look right. If you spot anything that needs to be fixed, it’s probably your best bet to hire a professional, as performing roof maintenance on your own can be dangerous.
Foundations
While inspecting your home’s exterior, don’t forget to examine the foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for deterioration, cracking, or leaks. Even small cracks in your foundation can allow water to enter your home and cause potential trouble, so it’s essential to fix any damage right away.
Oftentimes, specialists are required to repair damaged foundations. A general rule of thumb is that if you can slide a coin into the crack in your foundation or concrete, it’s probably time to enlist in the help of a professional.
Landscape and Vegetation
One of the final things you should do in terms of spring home maintenance is check out your landscape and vegetation. Trim your trees and shrubs back to prevent any protruding branches from causing damage to your home’s exterior. Additionally, consider raking up any leaves or twigs that are scattered across your lawn.
Aside from trimming overgrowth and raking up debris, think about planting some fresh vegetation in your yard. Buy some new trees and shrubs or plant your favorite flowers to make your yard look more beautiful and lush.
Need some professional help on your spring home maintenance? Get in touch with E&E Contracting today to find out what we can do for you and your home!