Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Home

The first warm days in the spring are ideal for having fun outdoors, but it is also the perfect time for inspecting and adjusting the exterior of our homes. Performing maintenance tasks in the spring is important for keeping our homes safe and comfortable throughout the year. Here’s a list of essential tasks that focus on your home’s exterior:

1. Check Gutters and Downspouts

• Remove any debris, such as leaves or branches, from the gutters.
• If you notice gunk in your downspouts, clean it by shoving a garden hose into the downspouts and have someone (on the ground) to turn on the water.
• If you have asphalt roofing, check the gutter deposit for loose particles that might have fallen off.
• Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are not loose; tighten any loose gutter straps and spout extensions.
• Consider installing spout screens or gutter cap systems to keep debris at bay.

2. Inspect Your Roof

• If you choose to go on the roof, ensure your safety by using a sturdy ladder and a safety harness. Don’t forget to wear proper shoes.
• Check for loose, damaged or missing shingles, as well as rusted or pitted flashing.
• Examine the caulk around skylights and pipe collars.
• If your roof needs repairing, it’s much safer to hire a professional contractor to do the job.
• Inspect the chimney for damage and hire a chimney sweep to clean the flue.

3. Examine the Exterior Paint

• Check for peeling paint and for surfaces where paint has fallen off.
• Scrape off any chipped paint and pressure wash the exterior walls.
• Repaint these surfaces to protect the wood from rotting and from water damage.

4. Trim Shrubs and Trees

• Prune loose branches from trees near your home to avoid structural damage during a storm and to prevent water and critters from reaching your house.
• Keep branches at least 5 feet away from your home.
• Before trimming overgrowth, clean the cutting blades with bleach and a rag.

5. Improve Drainage Around Your Home’s Foundation

• Make sure water does not pool against your home’s foundation.
• The soil should slope away from the foundation walls at least 6 inches over 10 feet.
• To create a slope, remove the mulch and debris from the soil first. Then, move the soil and put back the mulch and debris on top of the soil.

6. Check the concrete walkways and driveways in your yard. Fill any cracks with silicone caulk or concrete crack filler.

If you haven’t finished spring-cleaning yet, take a look at our spring-cleaning tips. A list of overlooked areas in your home that need cleaning can be found here. For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.