The 4 Most Important Home Maintenance Tips For Spring

Spring is here! But before you break out your shorts and flip-flops, it's important to give your home some much-needed TLC. That's right - it's time for some good ol' spring cleaning.

While the inside of your home may need the most attention, don't forget about the outside! Winter weather can be really hard on the exterior of your home so it's important to dedicate time to make necessary repairs, assess any damage, and do a general checkup to make sure everything is working how it's supposed to.

In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to get your home's exterior looking its best for the season. From power washing your deck to cleaning gutters, we have all the tips and tricks to ensure your home is in tip-top shape. So put on your gloves, and let's get started!

1. Clean your gutters

Cleaning your gutters is never going to be a task you look forward to. But it's a necessary one. 

Here's the thing: clogged gutters are worse than no gutters at all. They are, single-handedly, one of the biggest reasons for flooded basements and foundation damage. 

Gutters serve a big purpose. They're a main part of your home's drainage system that directs rainwater off your roof and away from your home. When gutters aren't cleaned regularly, they clog. And when gutters are clogged, water ends up overflowing and pouring into the soil surrounding your home. 

Because of gravity, the water will move downward and find its way into the cracks of your foundation, and thus into your basement or crawlspace.

In the winter, debris like leaves, twigs, and pine needles have collected and gathered in your gutters, especially if you live near a lot of trees.

So grab your ladder and clean out those gutters. Your drainage system depends on it! (And PS if you get up there and realize you never want to do this again, gutter guards are always an option).

2. Deep clean your grill and patio

Your outdoor entertaining spaces, like your patio, porch, and grilling area, need some love too. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for several reasons. 

If your grill lives outside, it probably needs a good cleaning. Over time, it can accumulate grease, food particles, and other debris collected from the winter months. All grill's are different, so be sure to check your owner's manual for proper cleaning instructions.

Similarly, the winter months probably also did a number on your patio area. Sweep up all debris and leaves, then rinse the deck with your hose. For outdoor furniture, make sure to remove cushions and wash them, and wipe down surfaces to remove dirt. 

Be cautious of any mildew. Sometimes, moisture gets trapped beneath planters and debris, which can cause mold growth. To remove any mildew stains, scrub and clean with a mold-killing detergent.

By taking the time to clean and maintain these areas, you can ensure that they're safe, hygienic, and visually appealing, creating an inviting and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your loved ones to enjoy all spring and summer.

3. Spruce up your walkway

Your home's walkway is the first thing people see when they visit, so making it more welcoming can enhance your curb appeal. This is as simple as clearing debris, pulling weeds, and adding a fresh coat of paint or stain to your walkway or front porch. 

But more than that, your walkway can also cause a lot of slips and falls if not maintained. Use a pressure washer or hose to remove salt residue and grime buildup from the winter. And keep your eye out for any cracks, too. Cracks that are detected early are a simple fix with caulk or concrete fillers. But if it's too far gone, spring is a great time to schedule us to come out and fix all cracked and uneven concrete. 

4. Open the windows

Opening the windows for fresh air is one of the best parts about spring. But if you have trouble opening doors and windows, your house might be trying to tell you something. 

Sometimes, the slab your home was built on settles into the soil. And unfortunately, one part of your house may settle deeper than than another, which causes your window and door frames to get out of alignment. 

If you find your doors and windows are sticking or harder to open than they were last year, you could have a foundation problem. If that's the case, it's crucial to get your home inspected by a reputable foundation repair company.

Make sure your home is in tip-top shape

Spring cleaning is all about prevention. And hopefully, this list helps you catch any damage from the winter months early. By taking the time to maintain your home's exterior every spring, you'll be able to enjoy a more beautiful and safe home for years to come. 

And as always, if you ever need help, please reach out to us with questions.