Spring Cleaning: Preparing the Exterior of Your Home for the Season

Start fresh this spring by tackling some necessary home maintenance projects. Just like a car, certain parts of your home need regular upkeep to maintain their excellent condition. Here are several tips that will help you prepare the exterior of your home for spring.

Roof and Gutters

• Remove accumulated debris from gutters, check for potential clogs and ensure all the downspouts steer away from your home. Taking these precautions will help you avoid water backing up toward your home and causing havoc when the spring rain arrives.
• Inspect your gutter system for damage, such as holes or cracks.
• Visually check the condition of your roof by scanning for damaged or missing shingles. Also, inspect your attic for any signs of leaks or moisture. If you find any problems, you will want to have them repaired.
• Use caution when working on your gutters or roof, especially on a ladder. Contact a professional for help if you are not comfortable inspecting and cleaning these parts of your home.

Air Conditioning System

• Inspect the panels enclosing the electrical system to ensure each is secured and has not sustained damage.
• Remove leaves, twigs and other vegetation around and inside the air conditioning unit. If not removed, debris can limit its efficiency and effectiveness. 
• The HVAC system’s air filter may have gathered debris and dust during winter. It is a good idea to swap in a new one before you turn on your home’s A/C for the season and change it out regularly.
• Although you may be able to perform some maintenance yourself, it may be wise to hire a professional to check your unit for unforeseen issues.

Home Exterior Maintenance

• Inspect the exterior walls of your home to determine if any cracks, holes or rifts need to be repaired. If you can fit a nickel into any crevices, you should have a professional check the area. Also, monitor for peeling or cracked caulk around the seals and repair as necessary.
• Repair siding that is extremely weathered or cracked. If you have painted wood siding, peeling or loosening paint should be scraped off, sanded and repainted.
• Trim shrubs, trees and other landscaping away from your home to help prevent your siding and outdoor air conditioning unit from becoming scratched or damaged.
• Consider resealing or replacing your wooden deck if it shows age, deterioration or loosened boards. At a minimum, it should be treated every six years. Also, fix screens with holes to prevent bugs from entering your home.

By setting aside time to prepare your home for spring, you can ensure any potential problems following the winter season have been remedied, offering you more freedom to appreciate the new season ahead. And remember, contact your insurance agent to see if your homeowner’s policy covers any repairs you may need.