It’s time for Outdoor Home Maintenance

Now that Winter’s snow and ice has cleared, it’s time to clean off your home’s deck and outdoor areas for spring. Over those frigid months, your porch, windows, screens, and drainage system may have taken on dirt and damage. This is Mother Nature’s prime time for cleaning, gardening, and enjoying the sunshine.

Look High and Low

Even if your roof didn’t take a beating from snowy conditions, spring is still a great time to give it a once over. Safety first: If you’re using a ladder, make sure it’s stable before you attempt to climb. Look for missing or damaged shingles and signs of leaking or cracking. Contact a professional in case of any issues.

Clean all debris and leaves out of the downspouts and gutters. Reattach the gutters if they are sagging or consider replacing them if they are beyond repair. Notice any holes? Prevent leaks by caulking them. Keep in mind that downspouts should face away from your home to improve drainage.

You may also consider removing stains on your roof during spring. If you notice any dark streaks, algae are the likely culprit. The only harm in that case is cosmetic. If you notice moss, on the other hand, you should definitely clean it. Moss can cause asphalt shingles to lift, curl or blow off in high winds. To clean algae or moss, apply a solution of equal parts bleach and water. After about 15 minutes, rinse it off. Don’t pressure wash or scrub as you might damage the shingles.

Take a walk around your home and check for cracking along the driveway, pool deck or walkways. Fill cracks using silicone caulk or concrete fillers. If concrete cracks are beyond this simple fix, consider replacing the concrete altogether.

Check Out the Deck

When inspecting your deck, look for water stains, warping or discoloration. Watch out for loose or rusty nails and perform any necessary maintenance to secure stairs and railings. If you find lifting or rotting boards, replace them.

Pressure-washing the deck, porch, sidewalks, and side of your house improves curb appeal, but it also keeps your home healthy. All that set-in dirt, grime, and mildew can damage wood and siding if not treated. This month, buy a pressure washer or rent one from a hardware store.

Repair and Reseal Woodwork

Rails, fences, trellises and other wood features need some love, too. These structures are prone to decay and rot if left alone.

If you have wooden fences, repair any damage to the panels. Split or broken pieces can be glued back together if the wood is dry. Support the pieces with tape as the glue sets. Replace planks that are too damaged for repair.

Use a power washer to revitalize tired wood, then use wood oils and wood preserves to protect it. Decking oil is the best for fence treatment because it keeps the wood supple and water-resistant. Exterior wood oil helps preserve your wood and can prolong the life of your fence.

Inspect Windows and Doors

Fix or replace the screens on windows and doors to keep bugs from entering your home. This is also a good time to wash your windows. Clean the tracts and seals with a vacuum attachment or a soft brush before you start washing the panes. Don’t forget to clean the weep holes on storm windows. Test that these essential drain holes are open by pouring some water into the sill. You can also use a thin wire to clear out the holes.

Take a look at the weatherstripping on your windows and doors. If the rubber or foam looks worn, it’s time to replace it. Weatherstripping keeps those Spring showers out and the AC or heat inside. Plus, weatherstripping also makes your doors and windows seal tighter, making them harder for intruders to break through.

Finally, check for tall grasses or stagnant water near your windows. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Run Faucets and Sprinklers

Test outside faucets by first letting them run. Place your finger over the opening. If the flow of water stops, you may need to call a professional to inspect your pipes. Also, look for any signs of leaking.

Give your sprinklers and drip system a test run. Keep an eye out for leaks and malfunctioning sprinkler / dripper heads. Make sure the sprinklers and drippers are watering your grass and plants and not porches or sidewalks.

Give Your AC Some Attention

Remove debris from around the unit, replace filters and clean ducts and vents. If your filters are clogged, air can’t easily pass through and your unit must work harder to cool your home. Clogged filters can lead to lower air quality in your home. Don’t skip this step; you may be able to lower your energy consumption by up to 15%.

You can also schedule a professional tune-up. An expert AC technician can check your system’s efficiency, check coolant levels and address any issues before the summer heat arrives.


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