At this stage, it’s safe to say that most of us are looking forward to a bit of spring sunshine to put a bit of a spring in our step but unfortunately this time of year can also bring with it some home maintenance issues which need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
The arrival of autumn and winter brings loose leaves and lots of them! Although you might have cleared your garden and pathways of leaves, a lot of them will settle in your guttering. As these leaves get wet and decay, they can cause blockages in your guttering and not only will this cause leaks and your guttering to overflow, trapped water will also stagnate causing bacteria to thrive. If this water backs up and seeps into your walls and roof, it can cause damage to the structure in your home and add to an increase of mould inside the home.
A spring walk around your home to check on your doors and windows is a good idea as we move into the warmer months. Check your doors and windows for any damage caused by excessive bad weather and arrange any repairs as soon as possible. Also check your door and window seals and weather stripping as these can harden and crack at colder times of the year.
Have you looked at your roof lately? Spring is a great time to do this after the harsher weather has passed. Have you noticed any loose slates or shingles? This can be a really bad sign moving forward if it’s ignored and can cause a lot of problems down the line. Winter time is hard on roofs and significant damage can occur from extreme weather such as snow, ice, heavy rain, or wind.
Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. Take this opportunity to make any needed repairs to woodwork as well.
Beginning in March and going through May or June, be on the lookout for these winged insects. “Termites swarm in the spring,” Sedinger says. “If there’s a bunch of winged insects flying out of a hole in the woodwork, that’s probably termites. Call a licensed professional pest control company. You’ll save money and trouble in the long run.”
Winter storms can take quite a toll on the roof. When spring arrives, start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. “It doesn’t require a ladder, and you certainly don’t have to get on a roof to look,” Sedinger says. “Use binoculars or a camera or smartphone with a telephoto feature if you need to.” Look for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing, or anything that simply doesn’t look right. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.
If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior this year, spring is a good time to set it up. Want to paint but can’t decide on a colour? Explore your town and snap pictures of house colours you like, browse photos on Houzz, or work with a colour consultant to get that just-right hue.
Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt, and other hardscaping materials. Take a walk around your property to look for damage to walkways, paths, and driveways, and schedule repairs as needed. Asphalt can often be patched, but damaged concrete may need to be replaced entirely.
Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring can save water – and save your plants. Sedinger shares these tips for checking your watering system:
If you don’t know how to maintain your sprinkler system, call a professional to do it. You’ll save money on your water bill and protect one of our most valuable natural resources.
In recent years, we’ve become more aware of the potential danger mosquitos can pose to our health. “West Nile virus and Zika virus are just the latest diseases caused by these winged pests,” Sedinger says. The best way to prevent mosquitos around your home is simply by getting rid of any standing water. “Walk around your property and peek at your neighbours. If you see anything or any area where water stands, fix it, tip it, get rid of it, or maintain it regularly,” Sedinger says.
Screens are designed to let the breeze flow in and keep bugs out — but they can only do their job if they’re free from holes and tears. Before setting up your screens for the warm months ahead, be sure to carefully check each one and repair any holes or tears, no matter how small. You can find screen repair kits at most hardware and home improvement stores.
“Home inspectors see a lot of air-conditioning systems that are just not taken care of,” Sedinger says. “Just because it gets cool doesn’t mean it’s working efficiently.” To get the longest life out of your cooling system and keep it running as efficiently as possible, change the filters at least once each season, and hire a licensed professional to service the equipment before the start of summer.
We hope this guide has helped you with what to look out for this spring to keep your home in top condition for the summer and beyond. HandyExperts are here to help with all your plumbing, heating, electrics, and drainage needs, and with our team of handymen, all sorts of other jobs around your home too!
Contact us today for hassle-free advice as well as prices and availability.
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