According to research, home improvement spending in the US varies greatly depending on the state. However, there are some home improvements that all homeowners should undertake. This is especially true when it comes to the exterior of your home.
With Spring well on its way, now is the time to take a sneak peek at the exterior of your home. Aside from keeping it in good condition, you may also be able to avoid any large expensive repairs in the future.
If you're thinking of fixing up the outside of your home, here is a Spring maintenance checklist for you to follow.
1. Fix Any Cracks
The first and most important outdoor chore you should do is give your home the once over. The harsh winter months can leave cracks in your home's foundation.
Over time, these cracks can lead to issues on the inside of your house. So, it's essential that you spot and fix them as quickly as possible. Here are some areas you should check for cracks:
- Concrete walkways
- Windows and doors
- Sidings
- Water spigots
- Foundations of your home
If you see any gaps, it's important that you seal them as quickly as possible. If not, you could end up with a serious pest problem. Worse yet, you may mildew infestation which can affect yours and your family's health.
2. Trim Back Your Bushes and Lawn
The next step is to trim back the vegetation around your home. While this may not seem important, vegetation can harm your home's exterior. They do this by creating damp spaces that can lead to mildew and other infestations.
When trimming your vegetation, check for:
- Areas where vegetation is in direct contact with your home
- Tree branches that could hang over your roof
- Weeds growing around the foundation of your home
Try and keep at least one to two feet between any vegetation and your home at all times.
3. Check the Gutters
Your gutters are what keep your home safe from water damage. They keep the shingles and paintwork safe from various elements. Some of these include:
- Water overflow
- Mildew and rot
- Pest infestations
- Flooding damage
While cleaning your gutters is important in Spring, you should check them all year round. If they start sagging or you see leaves sticking out, there is a blockage.
Cleaning gutters isn't an enjoyable job. With this in mind, you may want to call in the professionals for some help.
4. Inspect Your Roof
Inspecting and repairing your roof should be a priority. This is because just one small leak into your attic could damage your home and the belongings you have inside it.
While inspecting the exterior is important, don't forget to check inside too. This is often the easiest way to spot issues. By taking a look from the inside, you'll be able to smell and see any dampness.
When inspecting your roof, look for:
- Damaged shingles
- Missing shingles
- Cracked caulk
- Sagging
- Rust spots
More often than not, you'll be able to make small repairs to your roof without having to replace it altogether. However, you can only save money and time replacing your roof by inspecting it regularly.
5. Clean Your Windows
You may think that cleaning windows is just about making your house look nice. In actual fact, doing so can extend the lifespan of your windows. Over time, external elements damage the glass. Some of these elements include:
- Rust
- Minerals
- Weather
- Pollution
By cleaning them on a regular basis, your windows will stay healthy for years to come. Moreover, you'll have a better view of your garden.
6. Clear Your Chimney
If you have a chimney in your home then it's important you inspect it. If you use it, you may find that the smoke and soot clogged it.
On the other hand, if you don't use it, you may find that there is a nest in there. You should also check for water damage and cracks in the masonry.
Here's a chimney maintenance checklist:
- Check the exterior walls
- Seal the top around the flue
- Install the rain cap
- Put in place protective screens
By following this checklist on a yearly basis, you'll be in line with fire safety guidelines. You'll also protect your home against moisture and deter pests.
7. Check Your Vents
The vents in and out of your home protect it from excessive moisture, and in turn, mildew. They allow steam from your kitchen and bathrooms to go outside rather than gather on your walls.
With the above in mind, you must check all the opening to your home. These include:
- Vents
- Covers
- Dampers
These should all have individual screens. They also need to be functional and clean. When checking them, get rid of any build up. This includes lint build up if you have a dryer vent.
8. Repair Rotting Wood
One of the most common home repairs is wood damage. If you have a wooden home or wooden window fixtures, you should inspect them for moisture and rot.
With wood rot, you can repair the frame. However, in most cases, you'll have to replace the entire window.
If you can repair it, you're going to have to remove all of the rot and fill in the gaps with wood filler.
To identify wood rot, check your window frames and the exterior of your home for chipped paint. Often, the moisture can gather in these cracks, leaving the wood to absorb it.
Hire Professionals to Help You With Your Spring Maintenance Checklist
The above maintenance checklist includes some of the most important tasks you should undertake this Spring. However, there are dozens of other jobs you should perform to keep your home in good condition.
Moreover, it's not just the exterior of your home that needs looking after. So, make sure to keep your home clean and always inspect its various elements to ensure it lasts the length of time.
In the meantime, if the above checklist is a little much for you to do on your own, why not hire professionals? At Labor Panes we can help you with your window and gutter cleaning as well as pressure washing.
To find out more about the locations we serve, visit our locations page today.