Keeping up with basic home maintenance is important to tackle as soon as spring rolls around. Not only will your curb appeal stay top notch, but proper maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Tired of feeling cooped up all winter? Here are our 8 must-dos when it comes to outdoor home maintenance.
1. Trim Overgrowth
Overgrown trees, bushes and other foliage can make an otherwise beautiful home look worn down. Prune branches the right way to promote fuller, healthier growth. While you’re at it, clear any spent flower bulbs that stuck around through the winter.
2. Clear Debris from Gutters
Keeping your gutters free from leaves and other debris helps water flow freely through the downspouts and safely away from your home. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow which can lead to foundation issues. Use a garden trowel to scoop out leftover leaves from last fall.
3. Inspect the Roof
While you’re cleaning your gutters, scan your roof and take note of any issues. Cracked and missing shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
4. Regrade Soil Around Your Foundation
Making sure the soil around your home is at the proper slope is one way to avoid water damage when spring storms roll in. It’s probably best to call in a professional to get the right slope for your yard. Find more tips for keeping your basement water-free.
5. Repair Cracks in Concrete
Anyone who lives in a northern state knows the freeze and thaw process that winter brings. When concrete cracks and shifts, it can become a safety hazard, so it’s best to tackle this as soon as you can.
6. Recaulk Around Doors and Windows
Winter winds can weaken the seal around your doors and windows. Recaulking these areas will create a strong seal that will keep your home more energy efficient in the warmer months while keeping spiders, ants and other critters out.
7. Service Your Air Conditioning Unit
A common misconception about AC units is if it’s cooling your house, it must be running okay. Truth is, more often than not, your air conditioner isn’t running as efficiently as it could be. Give it a good wipe down and call a professional to service it. After all, you don’t want to be stuck without air conditioning this summer.
8. Touch Up House Paint
Touching up peeling, flaked or scuffed paint will not only add to your curb appeal, but it’ll also provide a new protective barrier against the elements.
Maintaining your home is important to keeping it in tip-top shape, and there’s no better time than spring to do it. These basic outdoor home maintenance tasks will keep your home looking great through the rest of the year.
