The radiant sunshine and warm winds are a breath of much-needed fresh air. However, that sunshine is also a spotlight shining on your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks and overgrown, weed-covered lawn. The change of seasons also means it’s time to spend some time outside preparing your home for spring and summer.
11 Spring Home Maintenance Projects
Take advantage of the longer days, and follow our annual spring home maintenance checklist to make sure your house and yard are in tip-top shape.
1. Audit Your Driveway and Sidewalk
The winter season is tough on your driveway , sidewalks and other hardscaping materials. Take a walk around your property to look for any visible damage, and schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely .
2. Test Outdoor Faucets, Sprinklers and Hoses
Make sure all outdoor water suppliers such as pipes, faucets and irrigation systems are working correctly. Check your hose to make sure there are no holes. Confirm none of your sprinkler heads are aimed toward your house or windows and that parts of your yard aren’t collecting too much water .
3. Repair and Reseal Woodwork
Wood decks, fences, railings, pergolas and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. Inspect your deck for any warped, loose or splintered boards. Take this opportunity to make any needed repairs to woodwork around the outside of your house as well. Look for signs of termites, and determine if you can treat it yourself or if you’ll need to call a professional pest control service.
4. Inspect Roof
It’s easy to forget about your roof, but it needs a thorough maintenance inspection at least once a year. Since it is your home’s primary defense against the elements, make sure your spring home project list includes giving the roof some TLC. If you’re hesitant to climb into the roof yourself, use binoculars to see if you can spot any initial damage or missing or loose shingles. If you notice areas in need of repair but aren’t comfortable DIY-ing the job, hire a professional.
Pro Tip: When shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof.
5. Check Your Foundation
Freezing cold temperatures and snow can be tough on your foundation. Low spots in your yard and areas next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Heavy rains or snow storms could cause the yard to flood, which can lead to foundation damage .
6. Power Wash Your Home
Use a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt, mold, moss and other stains from your siding, deck, sidewalks, driveway, garage floor, fences, patio furniture and jungle gyms. You can rent a power washer from your local hardware store for about $40-$100 depending on what PSI (pound per square inch) you need.
7. Trim Yard Overgrowth
Shape up your lawn and flower beds by trimming overgrown trees and hedges, and removing any weeds or dead plants. Keeping the branches of large trees at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your home will prolong the life of your roof and siding. Don’t forget those out-of-control vines either! They allow moisture and pests into your home and could crack your siding.
8. Clean Windows and Check Screens
Springtime not only brings the sunshine, but also the insects. Clean the inside and outside of your windows, and check your screens for holes larger than a quarter size. If a hole is quarter-sized or larger, you will need to repair or replace the screen. Remember to test your screen door to see if it’s loose. Heavy winds or children slamming doors can easily damage screens and frames.
9. Freshen Up Your Paint
Walk around the exterior of your house to look for chipped or cracked paint. When wood is exposed, it will begin to rot. This could be the perfect time to update the color of your house and add some curb appeal .
10. Service AC Unit
Do yourself a favor and check your air conditioning before the hot and humid days arrive. While the temperatures may not be rising yet, it’s important to tackle this maintenance project during the spring so you’re not waiting on repairs in the sweltering heat. If this isn’t part of your routine already, change the air filters at least once a month. A unit that is free of dust and dirt will save you money on your utility bill.
11. Clean Gutters
Prepare your home for spring rainstorms. Be sure your gutters remain unblocked by leaves and debris. Trapped moisture in the gutters can lead to mold and mildew, which can cause major damage to your roof and walls. Once you clean the gutters, make sure the downspout is clean and pointing away from the foundation walls. Water pools near the foundation create breeding grounds for insects in the summer, and can damage your foundation over time.
Be Ready to Spring into Summer
Once these spring home projects are complete, here are some additional spring-focused projects to tackle and make sure your home is ready for the warmer weather:
