Five Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Home
February 12, 2015Spring is in full swing and after a long winter, it’s time for you and your home to bask in the radiant sunshine outside. That’s why it’s important to make sure your home is prepped and ready to take on the rays and heat bound to come in the months ahead.
Here are five quick spring maintenance tips for your home:
- From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
- Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. Then, when weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
- Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
- Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
- Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure they’re ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work that much easier.