Great home tips checklist to get ready for spring!
As we approach the end of winter, we thought it would be helpful to remind you of a few things you can do to protect yourself and get ready for spring.
These eight spring home tips will ensure any issues are avoided or addressed before they become a big problem. They are also a great checklist to complete every spring. Let us know if you have any questions or need direction based on anything you find. And, of course, sanitizing, painting, and merchandising are part of the Painter Ready Experience
• Check Gutters
Checking your gutters is a crucial part of home maintenance. Improper drainage can result in water entering your basement or crawl space, which can lead to structural damage and create an ideal environment for mold growth. Gutters should be regularly inspected for loose sections or parts that may require resealing, as well as for debris that could disrupt the proper flow. Additionally, downspouts must direct water away from the foundation of the house to prevent any infiltration near the walls that could cause further problems.
• Examine Your Roof
Roofs take a beating during the winter months, and it is important to inspect them to determine if any shingles were lost or damaged. Specifically, examine each shingle for cracks, buckles, loosening, or missing granules. If you witness any of these signs of wear, they need to be replaced promptly. Additionally, check the flashing around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys, as they are common points of entry for water penetration that can cause costly damage to your roof system.
• Probe Wood Trim for Rot
Probing wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks for rot or damage is an important preventative measure in your regular home maintenance routine. Using a screwdriver, you can check the condition of the wood and remove any paint that may be covering up potential problems. Don’t wait until the spring rains cause further damage – take action now to ensure the wood around your home is in good condition.
• Move Firewood Away from Home
It is important to store firewood away from your home to reduce the risk of pests and potential fire hazards. Firewood must be kept at least 18 inches off the ground and no closer than 2 feet away from the side of your home. Keeping a sufficient distance between your stored firewood and your home will also help reduce the chances of attracting wood-gobbling insects like termites and other critters that become a nuisance around inhabited homes.
• Replace Filters
Replacing water, range hood, and air vent filters is an important task to keep your space safe and clean. Depending on the type of filter you have, they should be replaced every 3-6 months in order to maintain high standards of sanitation. By investing in new filters consistently, you can ensure that allergens and other air pollutants are kept at bay. Not only will this benefit you, but it will create a cleaner living environment for everyone around you.
• Clean Out the Dryer Vent
Properly maintaining your dryer vent is essential for ensuring it runs efficiently, reducing energy costs, and minimizing the risk of a fire. Start by disconnecting the vent from the machine. Using a dryer vent brush, remove lint from the back of the machine as well as from around the dryer vent cover outside your home. Once you’ve removed all particles, check to make sure that the exterior flap moves freely.
• Check Foundation Vents
Crawl spaces play an important role in keeping homes comfortable and safe. Proper ventilation is essential for controlling humidity and pests, so cleaning your foundation vents is a must. When it comes to venting, installation best practices include using rust-resistant screening with up to 18-inch clearance from the ground to keep out critters like rodents and snakes. Even the most vigilant homeowner should inspect their foundation vents regularly for any signs of damage that could compromise their effectiveness, such as rust spots or torn screens.
• Test Smoke Alarms
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries as needed. It’s cheap, only takes a few minutes and could save your family’s lives.