Raise your hand if you pictured rolling into spring with orders from the government to stay at home.
Anyone?
Bueller?
How crazy is our new normal!?
Since you ARE stuck at home, you might as well tackle those pesky spring home maintenance chores now so when this whole thing blows over (and it will, thank you social distancing) you can get out and enjoy life! Here are 7 ways you can help your home shake off the cobwebs of the long, cold winter –
1) Check those gutters
Water is a home’s natural enemy. Making sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris will help keep water away from your home’s foundation.
2) Trim the trees
Remember those gutters we just cleaned? If the trees aren’t trimmed back from the home, your gutters will fill right up again! Make sure to clear keep them maintained. Your neighbors will thank you, too!
3) Inspect the concrete
The vast differences we experience in seasonal temperatures in the Midwest can be rough on concrete. Since concrete is porous, it expands and contracts with the changing temps. Make sure your driveway, porches and foundations are free of troublesome cracks. This will keep water at bay, and offer your home a more appealing aesthetic too.
4) Service the A/C unit
A maintenance call to your favorite HVAC company for a simple cleaning and tune-up can save you the agony of losing your A/C in July, with a hefty price tag. Clean coils will operate more efficiently, and help keep those utility bills down! Don’t forget to change the interior filters every 4-6 weeks, too.
5) Check windows and screens
Harsh winter weather can take its toll on the caulk around your windows. When this happens, you’ll notice the caulk begin to harden and crack. Re-caulking windows can prevent water penetration, and ultimately save you money on cooling costs as well. Make sure your screens are in good shape, too. It will be nice to open the windows when the weather warms, but if your screens have been torn or damaged, the warm spring breezes won’t be the only thing entering your home. Keep pests out by repairing or replacing damaged screens.
6) Repair chipping exterior paint
High quality exterior paint can last 5 to 10 years, especially if the surface is prepared correctly prior to painting. Over time this paint can start to peel away leaving bare wood exposed, and susceptible to – yep, you guessed it – water. Repainting these damaged spots can help prevent water penetration but also give the exterior a refreshed look. And that’s what spring is all about after all, right?
7) Put that power washer to use
Power wash your deck, siding and other exterior surfaces! A lot of debris falls from trees during the fall and winter months making these areas look dull and drab. A quick power wash to whisk away all that dust, dirt and moss can really freshen up the appearance of your home’s exterior.
Happy sprucing!