Springtime has arrived. Take advantage of the warmer weather to complete spring home maintenance tasks. Keep your home in good shape to boost the comfort of your family and extend the lifespans of your home’s systems and components.
Clean the Gutters as Part of Your Spring Home Maintenance
The guttering is a system of channels that funnel water off of your house and away from the foundation. If the gutters become clogged, they will overflow, allowing rainwater to seep under the shingles. The overflow may also damage landscaping and leak into the basement, causing flooding and water damage. It’s important to keep the gutters free of leaves, dirt, and debris. Using a ladder and wearing protective gloves, scoop twigs, leaves, and pine needles out of the channels. After cleaning, rinse the system with water from your garden hose. Check that water is flowing freely out of each downspout.
Make Roof Repairs
After winter storms, check the roofing for damage, including missing or broken shingles. Replace the shingles or hire a roofing company to complete the work. Remove fallen branches and limbs from your roof.
Spring is also a good time to trim branches that overhang your house. Remove any dead or dying limbs and prune branches away from the roof and siding of your home.
Have the Air Conditioning Serviced
Before the temperature increases, hire an HVAC professional to inspect your air conditioning unit. He or she will examine all components of the system and make sure it is in good condition before summer. It’s better to schedule this service in the spring, so you’re not left with a malfunctioning air conditioner when warmer weather arrives. Regular maintenance helps your HVAC unit run more efficiently and will extend its lifespan.
Spring Maintenance for the Deck
Especially when the weather is nice, family and friends enjoy relaxing and grilling on the deck. The mild weather of spring is a good time to take care of deck maintenance. Clean the decking with a pressure washer or a scrub brush to remove stains and mildew or mold growth. Replace boards that are rotting, warped, or splintering. Sand the surface of the deck and apply a coat of stain or weatherproofing. Maintenance of the backyard deck boosts safety, extends the lifespan of the deck, and makes it an appealing place to spend time.
Pressure Wash the Siding
Pressure washing is a quick and easy way to improve the look of your home by cleaning the siding. Over time, siding can become splattered with mud, covered with dirt, and may develop mold and mildew growth. Pressure washing will remove mud and mildew to help your home look new. While cleaning the home, be alert for damaged or missing siding. Have these pieces replaced to protect the frame of your house from the elements.
Maryland Home Inspectors provides home inspection services to Washington DC and Baltimore. Contact us to book an appointment.