Keeping your property in tip-top condition is a year-round job, but the season can have a big impact on what tasks need to be completed. As we move from Winter to Spring, it’s important to update your to-do list and review your plans. If you want to ensure your property remains in optimal condition this year, take a look at these seven things to add to your Spring home maintenance checklist:
1. Check the Roof
The roof is one area of your home that you probably don’t pay all that much attention to, but it is important to check it regularly. Damage is more likely to occur in the winter due to storms and poor weather conditions, which means missing or cracked roof tiles could lead to unwanted leaks and flooding.
If you don’t fancy climbing a ladder to assess the roof yourself, it’s well worth hiring a contractor to do this for you. After all, a little preventative maintenance is typically a lot cheaper than carrying out major repairs further down the line.
2. Clean Gutters and Drains
Similarly, guttering can easily be damaged in winter and there’s likely to be more debris clogging pipework too. By cleaning the gutters out, you can prevent water from overflowing and seeping down the exterior of your property. At the same time, you’ll be able to make a note of any damage that’s occurred and arrange for repairs to be carried out.
Effective drainage is essential if you want to prevent flooding, so take a walk around your property and see whether there is any debris in the drains. To determine whether outside drains could be blocked, watch how quickly the water flows when it’s raining. If water pools around the drain, there’s a good chance that it’s partially blocked, which means you’ll need to take action before it comes unusable.
3. Keep Bugs at Bay
As well as causing damage to your property, many pests can carry diseases, which may cause serious harm if they’re transmitted to humans. Due to this, it’s vital to take a proactive approach to pest prevention.
In springtime, mosquitos are a major cause for concern. Without the right treatment, your yard and even your home could be filled with biting bugs that will cause no end of misery. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep mosquitos at bay. According to www.queenbeemosquitocontrol.com, carrying out a mosquito treatment, such as fogging, can significantly reduce or eradicate mosquitoes. As the treatment takes place outside, mosquito control will help to deter these bugs from flying around your yard, as well as stopping them from entering your home. Once complete, you’ll be able to enjoy your garden in peace and make the most of the warmer weather, without being plagued by bites and itching!
4. Test Air Conditioning
If you have an AC system installed in your home, you’ll want to ensure it’s working properly before the hot summer weather arrives. Even if you use it sporadically during Fall or Winter, running it for longer periods of time will enable you to determine whether it’s working properly.
Having your HVAC systems serviced can be a good way to enhance home safety and reduce your utility bills but even regular ductwork cleaning and changing the filters can have a major impact on how effective your AC system.
As allergies can peak during the Spring, you may want to upgrade your AC filters too. By choosing a more robust filter and one that’s capable of removing microscopic contaminants from the air, you can optimize the air quality inside your home and reduce allergy-related symptoms.
5. Fertilize the Lawn
After months of winter weather, your lawn may need a little extra attention, particularly if you want it to look picture-perfect in time for Summer. As the weather improves, you’ll be able to mow the grass more often, which can enhance its growth and improve the appearance of your lawn.
However, choosing the right lawn fertilizer is also important. In Spring, many gardeners prefer to use a fertilizer that has a relatively high nitrogen content, as this can promote healthy growth. By seeking advice from a professional and determining what type of soil you have in your yard, you’ll be able to find the perfect fertilizer and feed for your lawn.
6. Clean Windows and Doors
When it’s cloudy or dull outside, streaks and smears on your windows or doors may be virtually invisible. As soon as the sun hits them, however, you’ll be very aware of them. In fact, you’ll be amazed that you didn’t notice them before!
Cleaning windows and doors can be a relatively easy job, but you may want to hire a contractor if you’re unable to access windows on the second or third floor of your home. To keep windows in pristine condition, use a dedicated glass cleaner and a squeegee or a wet and dry vacuum that’s suitable for use on glass.
When it comes to cleaning window frames and doors, consider the material they’re made out of before you get started. uPVC can generally be cleaned with a damp washcloth, for example, while timber may need to be washed, left to dry, and then resealed in order to keep it protected from the elements.
7. Check for Damp
Damp can form at any time but it’s particularly common during Fall and Winter when there is usually more moisture in the air. Pull furniture away from the walls and inspect every room to determine whether there are any signs of damp or mold. If so, you’ll want to take action swiftly to stop it from spreading. Repairing a leak may resolve the cause, for example, but you’ll still need to ensure that the area is completely dried out and that any signs of mold are safely removed.
Make Home Maintenance a Top Priority this Spring
Not only is your home your largest asset, but it’s also where you spend the majority of your time. By creating and completing a comprehensive Spring maintenance checklist, you can protect your investment and enhance your surroundings. By doing so, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your home all year round.