Springtime brings more light and extra time to focus on home maintenance! Begin by looking for damage and make any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer. Below are some helpful tips on what to watch for this season, from our friends at Houzz:
- Clean gutters and downspouts.After the last frost has passed, it’s important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot among other issues.If your downspouts are installed properly, water is diverted away from the house so that no water collects around your foundation.
- Reseal exterior woodwork. Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two.
- Check for signs of termites. Beginning in March and going through May or June, be on the lookout for these winged insects. Termites swarm in the spring.
- Inspect roof.Winter storms can take quite a toll on the roof. When spring arrives, start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. Look for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing or anything that simply doesn’t look right. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.
- Paint exterior.If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior this year, spring is a good time to set it up.
- Inspect driveways and paths.Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and other hardscaping materials, unless you are using weathered and worn Historic European Cobblestone! Historic European Cobblestone is 100-400 year old reclaimed cobble from Europe that has already been exposed to freeze/thaw and traffic! The image below is antique 5″x8″ sandstone cobblestone, visit our website for more images. Take the time to walk around your property, look for damage to walkways, paths and driveways, and schedule repairs as needed.
- Check sprinkler and irrigation systems.Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring can save water — and save your plants.
- Prevent mosquitoes.In recent years, we’ve become more aware of the potential danger mosquitos can pose to our health. The best way to prevent mosquitos around your home is simply by getting rid of any standing water.
- Check screen doors and windows. Screens are designed to let the breeze flow in and keep bugs out — but they can only do their job if they’re free from holes and tears.
- Schedule air-conditioning service.To get the longest life out of your cooling system and keep it running as efficiently as possible, change the filters at least once each season, and hire a licensed professional to service the equipment before the start of summer.
For more helpful tips visit Houzz.com!