Spring into Home Maintenance

Now that Colorado is thawing out and the dark days of winter are giving way to bright sunshine, we can once again look to our never-ending list of home maintenance projects. Many of the items outlined below, if executed regularly, will keep your home in optimal condition, and help prevent huge problems from arising over time. So, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and spring into action with these 10 home maintenance tips.

Home Exterior

1. Inspect the home’s gutter and drainage systems. First, get up on a ladder and clean all the gutters out. A power washer works great, is quick, and will get the job done with ease. But even if you have to get up there with a hand trowel and a bucket that’s what you have to do! Otherwise, waiting until after the rainy season starts will only mean more disgusting work later on. Next, replace any downspouts and make sure they angle several feet away from the home. You will also want to repair any leaking seams or corners.

2. While the ladder is out, go ahead and inspect your roof shingles to the best of your ability. If you notice damage caused by the weather, it is wise to contact your insurance company first to see if any of the necessary repairs are covered. If it requires repair, but the insurance company will not cover it, it is not suggested to attempt any roof repairs yourself. Instead, hiring a qualified roofer is your best bet.

3. Next, arm yourself with a flathead screwdriver, a paint scraper, and good quality paintable interior/exterior caulk, and head off to examine each window in your home. Start with the interior and then move out to the exterior by checking all the nooks and crannies you see. Gently probe the weather affected areas, removing any old caulk, dry rot, or weathered paint, then fill everything in with new caulk and/or some Bondo™ and a fresh coat of paint. 

4. Check all exterior woodwork: decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for splintered spots, loose or rotting planks, and any deterioration. If your wood deck stain appears to be discolored or gray, then it’s time to exfoliate with a pressure washer and a deck cleaning solution, (be sure to use a low water pressure to avoid any damage to the wood) and give it at least 48 hours to dry before re-sealing with stain. Pressure-treated wood is rot and insect resistant, but no necessarily maintenance-free. Make sure to periodically clean and seal pressure-treated decks and porches as well, to protect them from water and sun damage.

5. Checking your sprinklers or irrigation system in the spring can save water, and save your landscaping. Run your system and check all sprinkler heads for damage, leaking, or improper spraying towards the house or foundation. Repair any sprinkler heads or hoses that are cracked or leak, and adjust the heads so they are spraying in the right direction to avoid water waste. If you are unfamiliar with how your system works or how to maintain it, call a professional.

Home Interior

1. General spring cleaning – now is the time to hit those spots in the house that are often neglected. Dust or vacuum furniture, window casings, ceiling fans, and under beds. Anything you can do to remove settled dust, mites, and allergens will not only make your home cleaner but healthier too. If you detect grease residue in the kitchen, wash cabinets, backsplashes, and walls with a mild detergent. Don’t forget the bathroom – the humidity of the bathroom can cause mold and mildew to form. Inspect tile and grout and repair any worn areas that can lead to water damage.

2. Having your air conditioning unit serviced now will help ensure everything is in good working order for the heat of summer. Clean coils produce cool air more efficiently, and regular cleaning will increase the life of your unit. Also, changing the air filter regularly and having your ducts professionally serviced will help to improve the overall efficiency of your system as well as reduce seasonal allergens in the home.

3. Don’t overlook the attic or the basement. Examine the attic insulation and ventilation, and check to see if critters have made their way in. Good ventilation will deter mold growth, so take any action needed to repair problem areas. Same for the basement – inadequate ventilation in the basement can cause dampness and mold growth. Inspect basement concrete walls for cracks, and any exposed framing for pest tunneling. If any cracks, water leaks, or pest damage is found, call a professional to help resolve any issues.

4. Now is the time to perform routine safety checks: change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure all fire extinguishers are operational. It’s a good idea to change the batteries in all detectors at least twice a year, so detectors are always operating correctly.

5. After you’ve checked your sprinkler system for leaks, it’s time to check for leaks indoors. Take a good look at faucets, drains, and pipes in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Check for wetness under sinks, around the dishwasher, and washing machine. Inspect all pipes and hoses to make sure connections are properly sealed and there are no visible cracks.

Take advantage of nice, cool, spring days to keep on top of your spring maintenance schedule. Simple fixes and easy repairs that are done regularly will extend the life of your home’s charm and integrity for years to come.