Handy List of Spring Tod-dos!
Regular home maintenance will help your home “weather” the seasons and safeguard its components and systems, so they function as they are intended, to provide shelter and safety for you and your family. Checking you home carefully and correcting problems as they arise will save you bigger headaches and bills in the long run.
SPRING OUTDOOR TASKS
INSPECT ROOF AND CHIMNEY
Look for damaged, cupped or loose shingles, excessive algae and fungus growth. Check flashings around chimney, vent stacks, skylights, dormers, etc. Also inspect as much of the underside of the roof as possible from the attic looking for water staining or pests. Check chimney to ensure cap is in place and brickwork & mortar is sound. If you use your fireplace to burn wood regularly have chimney cleaned every other year.
INSPECT GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS, SPLASH BLOCKS & OBSERVE DRAINAGE DURING HEAVY RAIN
Inspect gutters & downspouts to ensure they are clear. Downspouts should discharge water at least 4’ from the home to prevent it from running back along the foundation and down to the drain tile. If not corrected, this excess water will tax the sump pump during heavy or extended rainy periods. When observing downspout drainage during a heavy rain, ensure the rainwater is running away from the home, not puddling up alongside. Ideally the ground slopes down away from the home.
CHECK EXTERIOR FOR NEEDED MAINTENANCE
Check wood siding/trim & decks for peeling paint or stain, excessive mold or fungus. Check brick & stucco for cracks. Inspect around door and window trim for caulking that may be splitting.
WASH WINDOWS INSIDE & OUT – INSTALL SCREENS
Check to ensure dual glazed windows have not started condensating and fogging between the glass, which indicates seal failure. If so, repair glass before condensation seeps out and rots window frame.
SERVICE LAWNMOWER OR SCHEDULE LANDSCAPER
Sharpen blades and set mower deck height to 3”. Longer grass blades shade the root system and help to conserve moisture. Begin spring cleanup of yard and planting beds. Schedule for weed & feedings along with aeration. For a healthier lawn, consider an organic based lawn care program, which feeds the soil, not the grass. This will ensure a deep healthy root system which helps the lawn overcome pests, weeds, and drought conditions.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE & GRILL
Uncover furniture and grill and check these out for proper operation.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Turn on irrigation system and check all zones for proper function. Test rain guage.
Also schedule licensed plumber for backflow prevention test on RPZ valve, which is required by code on irrigation systems.
CRAWLSPACE VENTS
Uncover outdoor condensing unit and open any crawlspace vents.
STORE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT – READY GARDEN EQUIPMENT
Run snow blower out of gas to ready for storage. If it’s time for service, take it in now so it’s ready when you take it out of storage next fall. Seal up any unused salt and store all together with snow shovels and brushes.
SPRING INDOOR TASKS
CLEAN COILS ON REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS AND ICEMAKERS
Particularly if you have dogs or cats, as their hair will collect there.
SCHEDULE FOR EARLY SUMMER A/C CHECKUP
Remember to uncover the outdoor coil if you use one and change the furnace filter. If your home has a humidifier- close the damper. If your forced air system has high/low return air ducts – open the lower grilles and closer the higher grilles. If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning install window A/C units.
CHECK OUT WATER HEATER
Release temperature & pressure relief valve to test operation. Attach hose to drain and flush water down into sump pump for next task.
TEST SUMP PUMP
Run water from a hose down into sump pit to check out operation. Check for leaks or unusual noises. Check discharge point to ensure proper drainage away from home. If equipped with battery backup system, test it also & check water level in battery if required.
CHECK UNUSED INDOOR DRAINS FOR WATER
Pour 1 quart water down drains that are seldom used to prevent them from drying out and allowing sewer gas & flies into your home.