Spring Maintenance Tips and Tricks: Keeping Your Home in Top Shape

Introduction: 

As the snow melts away and flowers begin to bloom, it's time to shake off the winter blues and embrace the beauty of spring. Along with the change in seasons comes the opportunity to give your home some much-needed TLC. Spring maintenance is essential for ensuring that your home remains in top shape throughout the year. From inspecting your roof to cleaning out gutters and preparing your HVAC system for warmer weather, there are plenty of tasks to tackle. In this blog post, we'll share some valuable spring maintenance tips and tricks to help you get started.   

ADVISORY 

No amount of savings is worth your well-being.  If you’re not very handy - If you cannot change a door lock, or install a new fan in your living room, you probably don’t need to be on your roof.  Roofers aren’t typically good accountants and accountants are not typically good roofers.  And that’s OK!  Part of being a good homeowner is knowing when to call in the pros!  Don’t forget that MichealFixIT is only a Call, Click or text away! 

Exterior Maintenance: 

1. Inspect Your Roof (if you’re comfortable doing so): 
   - After a long winter, it's crucial to inspect your roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and sagging areas.  Identifying & fixing these issues promptly WILL save you 10’s of thousands of dollars in the long run.   
   - If you're comfortable doing so, safely climb onto your roof to get a closer look. Otherwise, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor to conduct an inspection.  If your roof is exceptionally high or steep, it’s probably best to leave this one to the pros.   
 
2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: 
   - Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and foundation issues. Take the time to remove leaves, debris, and other obstructions from your gutters and downspouts. 
   - Use a ladder and gloves to safely clean out gutters or invest in gutter guards to prevent debris buildup in the future. 
- When gutters back up, the water needs to go somewhere, and it is either down the wall of your house or into your ceiling.  
- Verify your gutters are attached to your house securely and that they are slightly angled towards the side with downspout.   
 
3. Check Exterior Walls and Siding:  
   - Inspect the exterior walls and siding of your home for cracks, gaps, or signs of damage. Addressing these issues early can prevent moisture problems and costly repairs down the line. 
   - Use caulk or sealant to fill in any cracks or gaps and consider repainting or replacing damaged siding if necessary. 
 
4. Inspect and Clean Outdoor HVAC Units: 
   - Before the summer heat sets in, take the time to clean and inspect your outdoor HVAC units. Remove any debris, such as leaves and branches, from the unit's exterior. 
   - Check the air filters and replace them if they're dirty or clogged. Consider scheduling a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up to ensure that your system is running efficiently.  Dirty air filters will cause your HVAC system to work much harder than it needs to and leave your air quality with something to be desired.   

5. Take a walk around your home a few times 
   - Pre- Spring is the perfect time to take a few laps around your home and pick up debris, remove dead bushes or plants, and throw away the 2 dead poinsettias (that you bought for $20 each off your nephew for his school fundraiser back in November).  We’re all busy – there is something out there that you forgot. 
 

Interior Maintenance: 

1. Service Your HVAC System: 
   - Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up to ensure that your system is ready for the warmer months ahead. Change the air filters regularly to improve indoor air quality and system efficiency. 
 
2. Check and Seal Windows and Doors: 
   - Inspect the seals around windows and doors for any gaps or leaks. Apply weatherstripping or caulking to seal up drafty areas and improve energy efficiency. 
   - Consider installing storm doors and windows for an extra layer of protection against the elements. 
 
3. Inspect Plumbing and Fixtures: 
   - Check for leaks, drips, or signs of water damage around sinks, toilets, and appliances. Repair any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth. 
   - Test your sump pump to ensure that it's functioning properly, especially if you live in an area prone to flooding. 
 
4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: 
   - Test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace them if necessary. Make sure that detectors are installed in every bedroom, hallway, and level of your home. 
   - Consider upgrading to smart detectors that can alert you to potential hazards remotely.

Conclusion: 

Spring is the perfect time to tackle home maintenance tasks and prepare your home for the months ahead. By following these spring maintenance tips and tricks, you can ensure that your home remains safe, comfortable, and efficient throughout the year. Remember to prioritize safety when performing maintenance tasks and don't hesitate to seek professional help if you're unsure about any aspect of home maintenance.