Spring Maintenance Checklist

As the warm weather approaches, so does the time for deep-cleaning and going through your spring cleaning to-do list. Keeping up with your home’s maintenance is essential to getting your home ready for the summer, and ensuring you can enjoy it without a neverending list of to-dos. It’s common for people to neglect their house chores and maintenance throughout the long winter months, and this can lead to serious issues come spring.

Now that the winter has finally passed, you can assess any repairs that are needed and ensure everything is up to date and running smoothly. Here is the ultimate spring maintenance checklist that will help you stay on track with your spring cleaning this year.

Inspect the roof

The harsh winter elements can damage the roof of your home and leave it in need of repair. Inspect your roof to see if you can see any missing shingles, damaged pipes, or anything else that doesn’t look quite right. You don’t have to go on top of your roof if you don’t feel safe doing so. Get a pair of binoculars or check from a high point outside of your home to get a good view of your roof. If you spot anything that looks odd, make a note to call a roofer to examine it and repair any damage they find.

Gutters

Clean out any leaves and other debris in the gutters. Have a look at gutters to check for any that look to have leaks or are loose. If the water doesn’t look to be draining properly, it could lead to a flood in the basement. The water should drain away from the foundation to prevent it from leaking in and damaging your home and belongings.

Check the chimney

Check the outside of your chimney for any damage, especially around the joints between the bricks. Look for signs of water infiltration – as well as for efflorescence. Efflorescence looks like a white calcium deposit around the bricks or stones of your chimney and is a sign your masonry joints are absorbing water – which can lead to further problems.

You can either call a professional to fix the joints or use a water-resistant seal to close up the areas that are affected. Don’t just clean it either, unless you deal with the source the build-up, and damage, will simply return. 

Walls of the house

Check the exterior walls of your home for any signs of damage like cracks, openings, or water stains. These need to be sealed as this can lead to pests getting into your home as well as other unwanted animals. You can also look to see if the exterior of your home needs to be repainted. 

Foundation

Along with the walls, take a look at your house’s foundation. Examine it from top to bottom for any cracks and if you spot any, it’s best to hire a professional who can fix the cracks to ensure they stay sealed long-term. Fill lower areas next to the foundation with compacted soil to help prevent yard and foundation flooding in the spring, which you want to avoid. Foundation leaks are often easier to spot in spring due to melting snow run-off and the amount of rain that many areas get. 

Windows

The outside of your windows also needs to be checked. If you see any leaks from the windows, this can be a sign that there are cracks, which can lead to issues in the warmer weather. In the summer, the cool air from your home will escape and that can cause your energy bill to skyrocket. 

If the windows aren’t sealed tightly, not only will air escape or get into your home, but water will also be able to get in through the cracks and cause even more damage. Give your windows a good clean with window cleaner and remove the screens while cleaning. Avoid power washing your windows and window screens as you could damage the screens. This is also a great time to fix any of your window screens to prevent bugs like mosquitos from getting into your home in the warmer months. 

Inspect the driveway and concrete

It’s normal for cracks to show up after a long, cold winter – so be on the lookout for any damage done to your driveway and concrete. If you see any holes or cracks, fill them with silicone caulk or crack filler. For larger damage, a professional is often the best choice. 

Lawn

Your lawn also needs maintenance for the spring. Clear your lawn of any leaves and debris like rocks and branches to keep your lawn looking fresh and tidy. To prepare yourself for the incoming warm weather, use an organic herbicide to kill any weeds that can be lurking in your lawn from the winter. This is also a good time for overseeding and aerating your lawn to promote healthy summer growth. 

Deck and patio

The winter weather takes a toll on decks and patios, so it’s important to check them each year to keep them maintained and in good condition. Clear any soil buildup and debris that’s around, on, and in any of the crevices and cracks of your deck or patio. Regardless of what material your deck is made of, it needs to be cleaned yearly to keep it in check. 

If you have a wood deck or patio, look over the boards to see if any areas are cracked, worn down, or have mold. You can clean, stain, and reseal it for lasting protection. A stone patio or deck can be easily washed with a hose.

Check the sprinkler system

To check your sprinkler system, run the system manually and watch the sprinklers run around your lawn and property. Ensure all of the heads are working properly and aren’t damaged or cracked. Move all of the heads so that all of the sprinklers are targeting the right areas of your lawn. 

Replace damaged siding and trim

If you notice that any of your siding or trim is damaged or rotting, replace it and repaint it to keep it looking fresh. Make sure you paint the entire thing rather than just a small section to keep it consistent.

Get your home’s air conditioning checked

Call a professional to check that your home’s air conditioning is working properly. They will do a routine check on your system, change the filters and service your air-conditioner if it needs any repairs. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that it’s running efficiently during the hot summer months. This is similar to a furnace tune-up you’re probably already doing in the fall.

Outdoor furniture 

Have a look through all of your outdoor furniture and make sure it’s in good condition. Check if any pieces need repair or replacement. Rinse off your patio and lawn furniture, and check your metal pieces for any rust that you can clear off. Well maintained outdoor furniture tends to last longer which saves you money in the long run. 

Do a spring clean of your home’s interior 

There is no better feeling than doing a deep clean of your home for spring. Go over areas in your homes that haven’t been cleaned in a while. Dust the shelves and corners of your home that were neglected. Clear out any items like clothing or home pieces you no longer need to get rid of clutter and create an open, clean space. Vacuum your home under surfaces that were collecting dust this winter, as well as carpets and rugs. You can also deep-clean your furniture to get it ready for the warmer weather.

Check appliances

Make sure all of the appliances, outlets, and vents are running smoothly and aren’t damaged in any way. These include kitchen vents, the oven, stove top, kettle, microwave, fridge, toaster, dishwasher, and any other appliances to ensure they are working well.

Attic 

Examine your attic for any signs of cracks, loose parts, or leaks. It’s also important to check for mold as the attic is a popular place for mold to grow. Look for gray or black patches as they are the beginning signs of mold growth.

Have a look around to see if any critters or rodents are hiding in your attic, including mice, rats, raccoons, squirrels, or insects. These can often be difficult to see, so keep an eye out for telltale signs like mouse droppings which are often more visible. 

Basement

The basement is a popular area for leaks, mold, and insects – so be sure to do a thorough checkup of the area. Basements are often cool and damp, so you need to ensure you have a good ventilation system running that keeps the area dry. Look for cracks and bubbles in the wall which can be a sign of a flood coming in from the upper area of the home. Check the base of your concrete walls as this is where cracks will show up most. If you see any signs of bugs or insects make a plan to deal with them or call an exterminator. 

Check for leaks

It’s common to neglect your home in the winter, especially when it comes to home maintenance. The spring is the perfect time to check for any leaky pipes, faucets, toilets, or clogged drains. Make sure you examine your bathrooms, laundry room, and any heaters. If you spot dampness or cracks, get those repaired as soon as possible to get them ready for the warm weather. You’ll want to get any leaks fixed quickly to avoid further issues that can be pretty costly. 

Replace batteries

One thing people often forget is to check their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working and have full batteries. This will put you at ease knowing you and your family are safe and that all of your safety features are up to date and working efficiently. 

Spring Maintenance Checklist

Although spring maintenance of your home may seem like a big task, having a checklist will help keep you stay organized and focused, making the process much easier. This spring, make maintaining and preparing your home for the summer easy with this comprehensive checklist as a guide.