Easy-Peasy Home Maintenance Checklist for Spring

Well it looks like spring has finally sprung in Western New York, it’s time for some spring home maintenance. Your home has been through a lot over the past several blustery months, and this quick home inspection checklist can help ensure your house is in tip-top shape for the coming months ahead.

 

• Roof review. Check for shingles that are cracked, missing, shifted or pushed upward from popped-up nails. You’ll also want to clean off any black streaks you see on asphalt shingles, as they’re an indication of algae growth that can ultimately age your roof.

 

• Chimney check. Look for missing masonry or bricks while examining the joints between them. Masonry joints that are corroded with a white deposit indicate they’re absorbing water instead of repelling it. Vegetation growing in the joints also indicates water is seeping in. Both require attention and repair to maintain the integrity of the chimney (even if it is no longer in use).

 

• Gutter gutting. Cleaning out your gutters is a vital spring home maintenance step, especially in Western New York where gutters can collect a vast array of debris. Look for any gutter holes that need repairing. Make sure your downspouts are still secured and facing away from your home.

 

• Foundation fortification. Any cracks in the foundation should be repaired. A foundation specialist can bond cracks with injected epoxy, a much more effective fix than DIY caulking.

 

• Hole blocking. Check for openings in your home’s foundation as well as your exterior walls, particularly around wiring and pipes. Seal any holes you find with an appropriate caulking or sealant to prevent insects and critters from getting in.

 

• Window once-over. Make sure your windows’ weather sealing or caulking is firmly in place so your windows can effectively keep water out and conditioned air in. Window cleaning may not be the most exciting spring home maintenance task, but it can brighten your space significantly. Use a soft cloth and window cleaner on the interior and exterior glass. Don’t forget to clean window screens as well using a mild all-purpose detergent.

 

• Air conditioning attention. Changing the filter is a must, a task that should be done on a monthly basis. Also clean the condenser and coils (the big thing outside). Make sure the exterior unit isn’t overrun by shrubs or littered with debris. Check the drain line near the furnace for clogs.

 

• Appliance upkeep. Since you’re on a spring home maintenance roll, you might as well tackle two other tasks that often go ignored. One is cleaning your refrigerator coils; the other is cleaning your dryer vent. Keeping both spick and span can improve appliance efficiency while decreasing the risk of safety or fire hazards.

 

Not only can these simple spring home maintenance tasks ready your Western New York home for the warmer months ahead, but they can help save you money on costly repairs in the long run. As a leading home inspection company in the area, we’ve seen the difference between a little effort and none when it comes to regular home maintenance and upkeep.