Spring has arrived, which means a lot of us are ready to roll up our sleeves, bring out the dusters, and get started with tidying the home. However, it’s not just your home’s interiors that need a thorough refresh. The house itself might need a little extra care, as well, and here are a few places to focus your attention.
Check Your Gutters
Spring is the ideal time to clean and inspect your gutters, as they may have accumulated leaves, dirt, and debris over the fall and winter. If gutters become clogged, rainwater can’t drain, which can damage the roof, siding, and foundation of the home. Blockages can even stress the drainage itself, leading to expensive gutter replacements down the line. As such, be sure to check for loose brackets, cracks, or sagging sections that could do with a repair.
Clean Your AC And Appliance Vents
You’re going to be opening your home up to improved airflow, but you need to make sure that existing systems haven’t been too stressed before you’re likely to rely on them more. Dirt, debris, and dust can build up in AC and appliance vents, so be sure to clean them out where possible or to replace old filters to allow for efficient operation. A professional dryer vent cleaning can make sure that your appliances are running as expected. They can also prevent expensive repairs down the line.
Power Wash Your Exterior Surfaces
You might be likely to spend more time outdoors as the weather gets better, so it’s important to ensure that it’s safe to do so. This starts by power washing your patios, driveways, and decks to clear away the buildup of dirt, algae, and pollutants. Washing your home’s siding is important, as well, but you might need to be a little more delicate to avoid damaging the surface beneath, using chemical cleaning products and low power settings.
Prepare Your Gardening Equipment
If you have a garden to take care of, then you want to make sure that you’re equipped with the right tools for it. Give your lawn mower, trimmer, and hedge cutters the check that they need, cleaning them out, sharpening them if necessary, and making sure that they work safely and efficiently. Make sure to check hand tools like pruners for rust, as well.
Check Your Plumbing For Hidden Issues
At least once a year, you should check your plumbing for hidden issues. Spring’s the best time to do it, as the colder months may have left some lingering damage, such as cracked or weakened pipes due to freezing water. Inspect exposed pipes, under-sink fittings, outdoor taps, and water heaters for signs of leaks, corrosion, or unusual moisture. Be sure to check your drains are flowing properly and keep an eye out for blockages that might require professional attention.
Refreshing your home every spring, beyond simply tidying the place up, can make sure that it’s ready to run reliably throughout the rest of the year, and helps you avoid some of the more expensive repairs that can crop up when systems are neglected.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
