I’ve never seen the snow melt so fast in the Lakes Region. As warmer weather arrives, spring is the perfect time to inspect your home and address any maintenance issues winter may have left behind. A thorough spring maintenance routine can help prevent costly repairs and maintain your property.
Exterior Maintenance
1. Check Your Gutters
Winters can leave gutters clogged with debris from snow, ice, and fallen leaves and branches. Clear out any accumulation and check for cracks or loose sections, which can cause rot and water damage over time. Ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.
2. Inspect Your Roof & Driveway
Heavy snow, ice dams, and fluctuating temperatures can weaken your roof. Inspect shingles for cracks, curling, or missing pieces. If you notice any damage, schedule repairs promptly to avoid leaks during spring rainstorms. Spring is the time to fill in asphalt cracks and install asphalt sealer on your driveway if needed.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Check the seals around windows and doors for cracks or gaps. Proper sealing improves energy efficiency and prevents water intrusion from spring showers and winter melt. Repair any damaged screen on doors, windows, and basement windows to stop insect infiltration.
Tree branches weighed down by snow and ice may have weakened over the winter. Trim any limbs that hang too close to your home (at least 5-7 feet away) to reduce the risk of damage caused by falling branches and to prevent pests from gaining easy access to your house. Spring is a great time to dethatch your lawns or consider aerating the lawn to decompact the soil, reseed, and fertilize.
5. Clear Around Your AC Unit
Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris around the outdoor compressor unit if you have central air conditioning. This allows proper airflow and improves efficiency when you start using the AC.
Interior Maintenance
6. Deep Clean Your Home
Spring is the perfect time for a deep cleaning. Dust, vacuum, and sanitize commonly used areas. Wash windows, baseboards, and light fixtures to freshen up your space.
7. Replace Air Filters
Pollen season can trigger allergies, so HVAC air filters should be replaced to maintain indoor air quality. Clean filters also help your cooling system run more efficiently.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Cold-weather heating systems and fireplaces can lead to CO buildup. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function correctly by testing them and replacing batteries if needed. Also, check gas connections, venting, and monitor soot buildup in your fireplaces and chimneys.
9. Clean Your Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in dryer vents is a leading cause of house fires. Check the vent and remove any lint accumulation to improve your dryer’s efficiency and reduce fire hazards.
10. Check Your Washing Machine Fill Hose & Intakes
Over the years, I’ve seen water damage because of hose failure and ice machine breaks on refrigerators from bad connections.
HVAC, Plumbing & Sprinklers
11. Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up
If you use air conditioning during the summer, have your HVAC system serviced before peak season. A professional inspection will ensure your system runs efficiently and help prevent breakdowns during hot days.
12. Check Your Sprinkler System
Test sprinklers to ensure they are working correctly. Look for leaks, clogged heads, or misaligned spray patterns that could waste water or damage your lawn. Did the plow truck cause any damage?
13. Inspect Your Plumbing
Winter’s cold temperatures can cause pipes to expand and contract, potentially leading to leaks. Checking under sinks, around toilets, and in your basement for any signs of water damage or dripping pipes and addressing any issue quickly can help you avoid costly repairs.
Spring maintenance is critical for preserving the value and integrity of your home. Addressing these tasks will ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable going into the summer months. Whether you own a lakeside retreat, a primary residential home, or a vacation/investment property, staying on top of spring maintenance can save you time and money in the long run.
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