Spring Home Tips

Spring Has Sprung. Get Your Home Ready

• Seasonal
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• Mary Carroll
• |
• 2 comments

Spring is a great time of year. Birds are chirping, flowers are popping, but it’s also a great time to make sure warm weather necessities, such as air conditioning units, are working properly after the cold season. Marquis Management offers the following nine home maintenance tips to help you get your home in tip-top shape this spring.

After a cold brutal winter, it’s very important to ready your home for spring by repairing any damage caused by the cold weather. Ice and snow can wreak a lot of havoc on the infrastructure of your home, and it’s important to address and issues quickly and effectively.

Let The Rain Go Away

Clean out your gutters and check them for leaks. Clean out all leaves and debris that may have accumulated in the gutters. Check and ensure your downspout directs water away from your foundation, and add extensions if necessary to keep the water away from your home. It’s also may be a good time to think about installing gutter guards. These gutter covers protect your gutters from clogging and ensure that water does not accumulate on the roof.

Keep The Roof Over Your Head

Replace worn or missing roof shingles. It’s no fun replacing and/or repairing drywall and plaster from your leaking roof, and the significant cost of repairs can cause major headaches. Check for roof damage, including missing shingles, leaks, and general aging, as soon as possible once the weather warms up. Shingles that are cracked or loose need to be replaced. But be careful… ladders can be dangerous… and clean gutters are not worth your life. If your at all scared of getting on the ladder, call a professional.

Don't Get Cracked Up

Repair your concrete? Yes, ice that freezes and thaws, and the salt you may put down can do serious damage to cement and exterior walkways around your home. Inspect your concrete driveway for shifting cement and or for cracks, which should be filled with caulk or concrete crack filler. Failure to do so will only result in a bigger problem year after year.

Check For Leaks

Inspect your water pipes for leaks. Water damage can mean big insurance claims; so check your pipes closely for leaks in pipes and faucets, as well as in hoses leading to dishwashers, washing machines, and your refrigerator. A little amount of maintenance can offset big problems in the future.

In addition, make sure your family knows the location of the main water shutoff valve in your home. A worn, damaged hose or a burst pipe can send water racing throughout your home. You will save yourself time and money by knowing where this valve is located and how to use it to shut off the water supply.

Window Check

If you didn't get your windows tightened up in winter, it's time to do it now. Seal your windows and doors with a quality material. The windy winter months may have damaged the seals on your windows and doors. Check caulk for decay around doors, windows, corner boards, and joints, and re caulk as needed. Be sure the seals are tight to improve insulation and prevent water damage.

Lawn Equipment

Check your lawn equipment. Replace your engine oil. This simple task will increase the life of your mower, and a sharpened blade will make your grass healthier and your yard work easier.

Pollen Management

Wait until the pollen subsides, then power wash the exterior of your home, lawn furniture, or anything else that may need it.

HVAC

Test your air conditioning unit. Don’t wait for temperatures in the 90’s to discover that your air conditioning is not working properly. Spring is the right time to change or clean the filters, clean the system, and make sure everything is working to maximum efficiency. Clean filters will also prevent your air conditioner from straining. Hire a contractor who can clean and inspect your mechanical systems.

Laundry Vent Cleaning

Check your washer and most importantly, your dryer for fire hazards. Lint often escapes a dryer hose that has been poorly connected and can then build up inside the interior or exterior wall, causing a fire hazard. Believe it or not, household appliance fires are one of the most common reasons for homeowner insurance claims.

As a homeowner, it’s impossible to prevent every problem that can arise, however with regular maintenance and a little elbow grease, you can ensure your home is a safe and comfortable place to enjoy the warm weather months ahead.