With spring arriving, it’s time to get your home into shape. Maybe you’re doing some serious outdoor cleaning, or perhaps it is just the annual check-up. Either way, here are some things you can do to make sure your home stays safe and healthy throughout this year and for many more years to come.
Check the exterior of the house
Exterior doors should be re-hanged if they’ve become misshapen, swollen, deformed, or damaged in any way (especially at the bottom).
Cracks around windows and doors need to be resealed with silicone caulk or appropriate weatherstripping material to avoid drafts that draw warm air out in wintertime when you want it inside and give bugs and other pests entrance when you want them out.
Even if you don’t see any cracks, weatherstripping is a good idea since almost all exterior doors require it. It can save you energy and money by helping to cut down on heating and cooling costs around the house.
Note: Do not use petroleum jelly or mineral oil for this purpose – they will attract dirt and become gummy!
The same goes for wood exteriors. Check your wooden siding to be sure there isn’t too much peeling paint, which could lead to rot. Any rotten sections should be replaced entirely. Also, check your shingles to see if they’re worn and in need of replacement before the next season arrives.
Check the roof
Take a look at your roof to ensure there aren’t any loose shingles, broken tiles, or missing caps. If you see any of this or if it looks like the damage is starting to occur, you’ll need to get it fixed before the next rainy season (or whatever the precipitation pattern is in your area) starts. This will save money and potential headaches down the line.
Check for termites
Of course, no home would be complete without termites making their daily rounds on the woodwork. Luckily they’re pretty easy to spot and can be eradicated quickly and efficiently by professional exterminators.
Termite infestation signs include:
- Sawdust-like material around kickboards and door frames, which has been penetrated by fecal matter.
- Mud tubes along the exterior of foundations or floorboards.
- Swarming flights from the ground.
Check your windows
Inspect windows to ensure no cracks around screws, locks, or hardware that might let in cold drafts. If you see any, consider caulking them with weatherstripping products. This will save energy costs and reduce the need for additional insulation on the inside of your home – another great way to keep your heating and cooling costs down all year round.
You may also want to check on window screens to ensure they’re intact and free of holes. See if anything is stuck on them like tree sap, which can cause new leaves not to pop out next season. And lastly, windows should be kept clean on the outside (just like your car) to help you see clearly and reduce the risk of cracks or breakage.
Check your appliances
It’s always good practice to check all of your appliances regularly.
- Make sure your furnace filter is clean before turning it on for frigid weather protection.
- Make sure the oven gasket is intact to avoid leakage when you cook (and potential fires).
- Gas grills are checked for propane leaks before use.
This will help prevent accidents that can lead to costly disasters!
Safety first
Keep safety in mind. That means installing batteries in smoke detectors if they’re missing, making sure electrical outlets have faceplates and aren’t cracked or frayed, and checking that carbon monoxide detectors are in place and working correctly.
This is especially important before you start using your fireplace for heat. Make sure it’s been cleaned out thoroughly (no, not with a vacuum cleaner!) since creosote buildup can cause dangerous gases to fill your home. Now you’ll be safe from the elements while staying cozy inside!
Hire professional cleaners
Though this tip is near the end of the list, hiring professional cleaners should be first and foremost on your spring home maintenance checklist!
Spring cleaning can help you ensure that all surfaces around your home are clean, but it is essential to call in the pros to deal with any harder-to-reach areas such as ceiling fans, behind toilets, and other nooks and crannies where dust tends to accumulate over time.
Now that your house is ready for spring weather ahead, why not go out and enjoy it? You deserve a break after taking care of so many things around the house, and it might be time to think about that vacation you’ve meant to plan for a while.