When the weather gets warmer, and the flowers start to bloom, it’s time for homeowners to roll up their sleeves and tackle some important spring maintenance tasks. Spring cleaning isn’t necessarily a new idea, but for your home, seasonal maintenance is a must.
None of the tasks on our to-do list below is too daunting, but if you’re feeling intimidated, don’t worry. Read on to learn the best approach for completing these 10 chores and keeping your home looking great all season long.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Roof and Gutters
Winter weather can put a lot of wear and tear on your roof and gutters, so check them out every spring and make sure they’re still holding up well.
Examining Your Roof
Inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or areas of sagging, to make sure ice and snow haven’t caused any problems during the winter.
In the interest of safety, use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground. For a closer look, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor, but if you live in a single-story house and feel comfortable getting onto your roof, do so with caution.
Cleaning and Repairing Gutters
Gutters direct water away from your home’s foundation, so make sure they’re working in spring before rain and storms arrive.
To clean and repair your gutters:
- Remove debris from gutters and downspouts.
- Check for any cracks or leaks that might cause the gutter to malfunction.
- Make sure your downspouts direct water at least five feet away from your foundation.
- Consider upgrading to some of the best gutter guards on the market to cut down on future maintenance.
2. Service Your HVAC System
If you live in a warm climate, you depend on a functional HVAC system in the summertime. Before the weather gets too hot, schedule a professional inspection so you don’t end up with a breakdown at the peak of summer heat.
Professional Tune-Up
An HVAC technician will typically do the following to keep your system in good shape:
- Clean or replace air filters
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect and clean coils
- Lubricate moving parts
- Test the thermostat to confirm temperature accuracy
DIY Maintenance
In addition to getting professional servicing, do regular maintenance tasks to keep your HVAC system running smoothly. Start by changing air filters, preferably monthly (depending on your home size, pets, and lifestyle), to avoid clogs. Clear debris and trim vegetation around the outdoor unit to maintain air intake.
3. Check and Repair Windows and Screens
Coming out of winter, make sure your windows are working correctly before you open them up for the season and that your screens are in good shape.
Window Maintenance
Clean window tracks and lubricate them with silicone spray for smooth operation. Then, inspect the weatherstripping and replace it if the winter weather wore it down. Check for drafts and apply caulk to seal any air leaks.
Screen Repair
Window screens are notorious for tears, so keep an eye on them. In spring, remove screens and clean them using mild soap and water to remove dust and debris. Inspect for holes or tears that could allow insects to enter. Feel free to patch small holes yourself, but if your screens are too far gone, replace them altogether.
4. Inspect and Touch Up Exterior Paint
Painting your home may seem like a decorative choice, but exterior paint also protects your home from the elements. If you’re considering a new paint job or if your existing paint is looking dull, spring is an ideal time to touch up or repaint.
Inspection
First, inspect your current paint job. Look for signs of peeling, bubbling, or cracking paint that could expose the material underneath. Check for areas of wood rot or decay that might compromise structural integrity. Look for gaps in caulking around windows and doors.
Once you’ve inspected your home, fix any problems you find by replacing sections of rotten wood, recaulking around windows and doors, and stripping or repainting any peeling paint.
Painting Tips
When it’s time to paint, make sure you scrape and sand down any loose paint to create a smooth surface. Then, use a primer on bare wood or metal surfaces to make sure the paint adheres. For best results, choose high-quality exterior paint that works with your local climate.
Remember, although it takes more time, do the proper preparation work for your paint job so it lasts for years . Rushing the job and skipping steps means you’ll have to redo it sooner rather than later.
5. Prepare Your Lawn and Garden
Springtime is the time for growth, so if you have a garden or lawn, it’s the perfect season to do some preparatory chores. Set time aside early in spring, and it will pay off in the months to come.
Lawn Care
Remove debris and rake out dead grass to allow for new growth. Then, aerate your lawn if your soil is compacted to help roots access water and nutrients.
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds and fertilize with a spring-specific blend to provide nutrients for your lawn. Your grass will thank you.
Garden Prep
If you have a garden, you know how much work it is to keep it vibrant and healthy all season long. To set yourself up for a good season, start by clearing out dead plants and weeds that could harbor diseases or pests. Then, add a layer of compost to your garden beds to enrich the soil.
Prune shrubs and trees before new growth begins to shape and encourage healthy development. If you have an edible garden, plan for and start planting spring fruits and vegetables.
6. Check Your Foundation
The freeze-thaw cycles of winter can do a number on your home’s foundation. To catch potential issues, inspect your foundation every spring.
Inspection Points
To inspect your foundation:
- Look for cracks in foundation walls that could signal settling issues.
- Check for signs of water damage or moisture that may point to drainage problems.
- Ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation to divert water.
- Inspect the basement or crawl space for signs of pests, moisture, or mold.
Repairs
If you find any concerns with your foundation, fix them as soon as possible. To start, fill small foundation cracks with epoxy injections to prevent them from getting bigger. If you have drainage issues, redirect or extend downspouts to push water further away from your home.
Consider professional waterproofing solutions if you have persistent moisture problems year after year. If any issues seem beyond your DIY skills, don’t hesitate to call a professional and have them repair your foundation.
7. Clean and Repair Outdoor Living Spaces
Clean and restore your deck, patio, and other outdoor living areas in spring so they don’t look dirty or weathered when you go to use them.
Deck Maintenance
If you have a wooden deck, regular maintenance is more than just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. To keep your deck looking sharp, inspect for loose boards, protruding nails, and signs of wood rot. If you have rotten wood, replace those boards. Hammer in any protruding nails.
Then, clean your deck thoroughly using a pressure washer or deck cleaner to remove dirt and mold. Apply a water-repellent sealant to protect against moisture penetration.
Patio Care
Patios tend to be less of a hassle to maintain than decks but keep up with them to make sure they look well-kept for barbecues and bonfires. Start by checking for cracks or pavers that may have shifted during freezing and thawing cycles. Then, clean with a product suitable for the material, whether it’s stone, brick, or concrete.
8. Service Outdoor Power Equipment
Before the first mow of the season, make sure your lawn mower is up to the task. Taking the time to tune it up will improve its performance and prolong its life.
Lawn Mower Maintenance
For routine lawn mower maintenance:
- Change the oil and spark plug(s).
- Sharpen or replace the blades.
- Clean or replace the air filter.
- Fill with fuel and check the fuel lines for leaks.
Other Equipment
Most homeowners use more than just a lawn mower for landscaping. Inspect your string trimmer, leaf blower, and other lawn care tools before using them.
Also, sharpen the blades on your hedge trimmers and pruning tools. If you have corded power tools, check and replace any frayed cords to prevent electrical hazards.
9. Clean and Inspect Your Chimney
Even if you don’t plan to use your fireplace until fall, the mild weather of spring makes it the best time for chimney maintenance.
Chimney Inspection
Before you clean it, inspect your chimney. Look for cracks in the chimney crown that could lead to water penetration. Check for loose or missing mortar, and make sure your chimney cap is secure to keep out rain and pests.
Cleaning
Hiring a chimney sweep may seem like a thing of the past, but it’s the best way to prevent fire risks. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote build-up. Then, clean out ash and debris from the firebox to prepare it for when you use it next.
Make sure you close the damper to prevent drafts and animal entry when you’re not using your fireplace.
10. Test Safety Devices
Safety devices are only effective if they work correctly, so while you’re doing your spring cleaning, test your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is very simple. Just press the button on the front to check if the batteries are still good. If they’re not, replace them. Also, if your detectors are over 10 years old, replace them promptly before they malfunction.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are another easy item to check. Start by checking that your fire extinguisher hasn’t expired. If it has, replace it. For more on how to pick a new fire extinguisher, read the United States Fire Administration’s guide to choosing and using fire extinguishers.
Check the pressure gauge to make sure it still has pressure and is ready for use. Then make sure the pin and tamper seal are intact. If everything looks good, you’re good to go.
Do I Really Need to Do Spring Home Maintenance?
Nobody likes doing chores, but a little work in spring can prevent a lot of work later. It can also save you money in the long run by catching any potential problems before they turn into bigger headaches. While many of the spring cleaning tasks on our list are DIY projects, call a professional if you’re not feeling confident in your skills.
