Winter can be a rough time no matter where you live in the country, and it can be especially harsh on your home. When spring arrives, people often engage in a fresh, thorough cleaning in anticipation of sunnier, warmer days.
Usually, this means cleaning carpets, deep-cleaning upholstery, and so forth, but many essential tasks get forgotten in the shuffle of spring cleaning.
1. INSPECT YOUR ROOF
Some winters can be brutal, and it’s your roof that takes the brunt of the damage. It’s also your first line of defense against water damage.
Check for missing shingles, soft spots, or anything else suspicious.
Fix small problems before they can become big ones.
Looking for a free, professional roof inspection? We can help. Contact us today for yours!
2. CHECK WINDOW SCREENS
Window screens let fresh air in and keep bugs out. They can also get damaged relatively easily—either from storm debris outside or a cat with too-sharp claws inside.
Check each window screen to see if you have holes that need patching or if the screen needs to be replaced.
3. CHECK DOOR AND WINDOW SEALS
Changing winter conditions can contribute to the cracking and hardening of caulk and other weather seals. Take some time to check any seals you can find to see if any need repair or replacement.
Come rainy spring weather; this will help prevent water from entering your home and causing damage. Proper seals will also save you money in the summer by making your air-conditioning operate more efficiently.
4. REPLACE SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR BATTERIES
Why wait for the annoying chirp of a weak-battery alarm? Why risk your home and family to a smoke or carbon monoxide detector that may not be sufficiently powered?
Change the batteries at least once a year whether you think they need it or not.
5. CHECK YOUR WATER HEATER
Over time, sediment tends to build up in your water heater tank, leading to water discoloration and other problems. Get something to catch water and open the spigot near the bottom of the heater to drain it.
This will prolong the life of your water heater and lead to energy savings.
6. CLEAR YOUR GUTTERS
You may have already given your gutters a quick inspection after the last fall leaf blew off the trees, but it’s a good idea to give them another look before spring weather sets in.
Clogged gutters leave your home vulnerable to water damage—and many times, water damage isn’t noticed until it’s too late, and the only repairs are expensive.
7. GET YOUR YARD TOOLS READY
Are your hedge clippers and lawnmower ready for another year of yard maintenance?
Check blades, engine oil, and fuel where necessary. Make sure everything is not only operational but safe to use.
If any tools look too rusted or broken down, it may be time to get replacements lined up.
8. DO SOME QUICK STARTER OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE
From touch-up painting to cracks in your walkway or driveway, get a head start on everyone else in the neighborhood and spruce up your home’s outdoor appearance starting from the front of the house to the back.
Many of these fixes are small and relatively inexpensive if caught early.
Don’t forget to check the condition of any fences surrounding your property and the safety condition of porches and decks that have just spent the past few months being exposed to harsh winter weather.
9. INSPECT HOME APPLIANCES FOR NEEDED MAINTENANCE
The life and health of many home appliances are often taken for granted, which can end up being expensive should an appliance fail beyond repair and need to be replaced. A few things to check:
- With your clothes dryer, check for lint and other debris in your dryer vent. This will not only save energy but reduce the chance of a fire.
- Whether you use distilled vinegar or an off-the-shelf dishwasher maintenance solution, make sure your dishwasher is clean, free of mold, and draining properly.
- If you have a gas oven, make sure lighting areas are clean and free of any crud.
- Clean the coils behind your refrigerator, so they don’t work too hard, and toss anything inside that’s been forgotten and is just making your appliance expend energy needlessly.
10. INSPECT, CLEAN, OR REPLACE HVAC FILTERS
Ideally, this is a chore that should be done more than once a year.
Check your owner manuals for a recommended schedule. That said, if you haven’t done it yet, check your filters for signs they may need repair or replacement.
Bad filters force your heating and air-conditioning systems to work harder, which can cost you serious money before you know it.
GETTING AHEAD OF TASKS
By fixing small problems early, you save yourself the hassle and expense of fixing them later when they become much larger problems. A little maintenance goes a long way. While springtime is often the traditional time to take on many of these small tasks, it’s a good idea to keep them in mind all year long.
You’ll save money and have fewer problems when you do.
We’re here to help you with your home. For a free exterior inspection or roof inspection, please contact your local Shamrock Roofing branch today!