Your Spring Home Maintenance Checklist from TruBlue Plymouth & Maple Grove
Winter is almost over, and summer is on the horizon—making spring the perfect time to tackle home maintenance. From the roof to the basement to your home's foundation, a thorough spring check-up ensures your home stays safe, efficient, and in great condition. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent costly repairs down the road. Make sure the essential tasks below are on your spring home maintenance checklist. And if you need a helping hand, a professional handyman service like TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove can take care of some of the hard work for you.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Spring is an important season to either clean out your gutters or hire a professional for a more thorough gutter inspection. Gutters often contain a lot of leftover leaves, plant matter, dirt, and other debris from the previous winter. Considering all the rain that typically falls this time of year, it's not hard to see why a little gutter TLC is important. Check your downspouts while you're at it to make sure they're flowing correctly. They should direct water at least 3 feet away from your foundation. If you need assistance, TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove can help ensure your gutters are clear and functioning properly.
Check Your Roof
It's always a good idea to check your roof for damage in spring. Look for any signs of wear and tear from the previous winter. Even if you don't live in a place with severe winters, it's still wise to check your roof this time of year. Look for loose, broken, or missing shingles. Clear away any leaves and twigs on your roof, and check for signs of moss and algae. If you see a more serious issue, contact a roofing professional before the problem worsens. Taking care of minor roof issues now can prevent leaks and costly repairs later.
Inspect Concrete
Take a walk around your house and look at all the concrete surfaces. Check your driveway, sidewalk, pool deck, and walkways for cracks and other signs of damage. Fill any cracks or holes you may find with concrete filler or silicone caulk to prevent further deterioration. Addressing these small repairs now can help you avoid bigger structural problems in the future.
Clean and Reseal Wood
While you're checking outside, take a look at your wooden deck, porch, or patio. Give it a good cleaning to remove all the leaves, dirt, and debris from the previous season and assess whether it needs to be resealed this year. If so, that's a good job for a warm, sunny day. Applying a fresh sealant will help extend the life of your wooden structures and protect them from moisture damage.
Check Your Foundation
Spring is a good time to inspect your foundation for cracks and other damage. It's possible for some of the outer concrete coating to be chipping or flaking after a long winter, and cracks can develop from freezing and thawing. Use the appropriate sealant to fix up minor cracks, but contact a professional if you suspect a more serious problem. A strong foundation is key to maintaining your home's structural integrity.
Run Outside Faucets
The arrival of spring means you can get your outdoor faucets running again. Reattach your hose if you have one, and turn the water back on at the valve inside your house. Look for signs of leaking before you walk away. If you notice any leaks, take care of them right away to prevent water waste and potential damage to your home's exterior.
Inspect Windows and Doors
Spring is a season when a lot of bugs and other pests might try to enter your home, so go around your house and check to make sure all your windows and doors are nice and tight. Check for air leaks around the window and door frames and seal if necessary using caulk or weather stripping. Inspect the screens for rips and holes and replace any that are damaged. Keeping your home sealed properly will improve energy efficiency and help keep unwanted pests out.
Clean Up Your AC Unit
If you have an outdoor air conditioner unit, brush and blow away any leaves, twigs, grass, and other debris that may have gathered in and around the unit. Replace your HVAC filters and inspect your ductwork to see if it needs to be cleaned. As you transition from furnace season to air conditioner season, spring is also a good time to have your HVAC professionally cleaned and serviced. Keeping your AC unit in top shape ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency during the hot summer months. TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove can assist with maintenance tasks to get your AC unit summer-ready.
Look for Leaks
With spring showers in the forecast, a quick leak check should be part of your maintenance checklist. The attic is the first place to look for mold, mildew, water stains, and other signs of a leak. Check the basement too, and make sure your sump pump is working properly in the event that flooding should occur. Addressing leaks early can save you from costly water damage repairs.
Take a Look at Your Siding
Give your siding a close inspection for signs of damage. Whether you have wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, or another siding material, winter is the season when most siding damage occurs, so it's a good idea to put a siding inspection on your spring home maintenance checklist. Replace sections of siding that are cracked or damaged, and assess whether a new coat of paint is needed. Properly maintained siding helps keep your home looking great and well-protected from the elements.
Trim Your Trees
Check any trees around your property for damaged branches that could fall and become a hazard. Take a look at trees and shrubs that grow close to your house and trim back any branches or leaves that brush up against the structure. Proper tree maintenance can prevent property damage and ensure healthy growth for your landscaping.
Tend to Your Lawn and Landscape Plants
For a greener, healthier lawn in summertime, start your lawn maintenance in spring. Start by raking your lawn to get rid of dead grass and thatch. Overseed any bald patches that may have developed using a grass seed mix designed to tolerate a lot of traffic, and apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. A well-maintained lawn boosts curb appeal and provides a lush outdoor space for summer enjoyment.
Perform a Home Safety Check
Spring is a good time of year to make sure all your home safety systems are working properly. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries as needed. Make sure your fire extinguishers have not expired. If you have a home security system, make sure all the sensors are working correctly. Prioritizing home safety helps protect your family and gives you peace of mind.
Need help with your spring home maintenance? TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove offers professional handyman and maintenance services to keep your home in top shape. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us handle the hard work for you! Visit our website at TruBlue of Plymouth and Maple Grove or give us a call!