Springtime Home Maintenance

Springhomemaintenance Web

It’s that time of year when the sun begins to shine, the temperature slowly increases, and we’re all anxious to get outside and … definitely NOT tackle home repairs! Given the option, few of us would volunteer to spend a Saturday on a ladder pulling leaves out of a gutter, but standard home maintenance is important and keeps your home running efficiently. The ID8 team created this spring maintenance checklist to help keep your home in great condition for the rest of the year!

 

EXAMINE ROOF

Winter weather can take a toll on a roof. Check for missing shingles, cracked shingles, or loose shingles and repair as necessary. While you’re up there, clear away branches, leaves and other rubbish that winter left behind.

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS

Clean the debris from your gutters and downspouts and check for leaks. Improper drainage can lead to water in your home and wood trim and eaves to rot.

Pro tip: Clogs usually occur where the downspout and gutter connect, we recommend removing the elbow to make sure there is no debris caught inside.

SUMP PUMP

Check your sump pump to make sure it’s draining properly, especially as the final snow thaws and before big rains hit. If your home has had water before, it's a great idea to have a backup pump ready and available.

Pro tip: Keep your mind at ease during heavy rainstorms with a sump alarm that connects to your cell phone, especially if your home is in a wet area like Brookings. It will alert you to when your sump pit is filling up and the water level is rising too high.

PREVENT MOSQUITOS

The best way to prevent mosquitos around your home is to get rid of standing water. We know in low areas this isn’t always possible, but having a plan to maintain the water definitely helps! (Thank goodness for sump pumps!)

LANDSCAPING

Remove plant debris from your yard to make room for new plants to grow. Trim back overgrown shrubs and branches and add mulch or rock where necessary, to help keep those pesky weeds away.

Pro tip: After the first weeding of the year, use Preen granules on your rock gardens to help prevent future weeds from emerging
Pro tip: use your leaf blower to help clean out rock gardens.

PAINT EXTERIOR

If freezing temperatures and wind took a beating on your homes exterior, spring is the perfect time to freshen your facade. Fix any peeling paint, broken siding, or exposed wood before the rain hits! If you’re looking for a façade facelift beyond the paint, we’re happy to help you make the right decisions and choose the right materials.

Pro tip: If you're tackling painting on your own, make a party out of it! Bribe friends with pizza and beer and paint together. It's crazy what you can accomplish with a good crew!

CLEAN OUT VENTS

Clear debris from any vents that lead outside (bathrooms, dryer vent, etc.) During the fall/winter leaves and plants can get trapped in there.

GIVE YOUR HOME A BATH

Wash winter away! Over time dirt can get stuck in your façade and damage paint and masonry. It’s important to clean heavily soiled areas on the exterior of your home, remove storm windows and wash the windows, inside and out. We sometimes overlook the cute nose prints or tiny hand prints on our windows, but it’s crazy how much extra a light a freshly cleaned window will let in!

Pro tip: Rent or borrow a pressure washer if you don't own one to wash off decks and the house.

CHECK YOUR DECK

Examine your deck, porch, fencing, railings, and all other woodwork and check for signs of damage. Wash or reseal as needed.

REPAIR WALK WAYS

Snow and cold can wreak havoc on your walkways. Spring is the time to patch cracks, replace loose bricks and pavers and clean any stains on your concrete or stone.

FRESHEN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Freshen your outdoor furniture by shaking off the dust, scrubbing it down, replacing cushions, adding a fresh coat of paint, whatever you need to do to get your outdoor furniture ready for use! If your cushions are in good shape and you’re a do-it-yourselfer,  give your outdoor furniture a new look by re-upholstering.

CHECK YOUR DOORS

Keep the cool inside by weather stripping around your primary doors to prevent air leaks. This is a super easy and inexpensive way to lower your electric bill in the warm months ahead.

TREAT YOUR LAWN

The optimal time for lawn care is early spring as things begin to thaw. Fertilize your lawn, fill bare spots by overseeding, rake, pull weeds and control pests. These are all things that can be done in the spring to keep your yard in tip top shape.

Pro tip: Check for ant hills and use Tempo to spot treat for insects. Spray around your foundation and around door thresholds/egress windows to help prevent insects/pests from coming in the house.