That winter chill is retreating and the prospect of warm Spring weather is no longer a distant dream. Get your house and yard ready with these 10 maintenance musts.
NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, building and construction trades are essential to maintaining the safety and operation of private residences. Therefore, service providers such as plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, roofers, exterminators and landscapers are available for hire in most states.
1. Schedule a Spring air conditioning check
Be proactive. Spring is a great time to hire a professional to inspect the air handler, clean the condenser coils, inspect the evaporator coil and check the refrigerant level.
2. Inspect the roof
Once the ice and snow have melted, check the roof for damage. Look for cracked shingles and loose flashing, especially behind chimneys and in valleys. If the gutters filled with ice, the weight may have pulled them loose from fascia board mounts, so inspect and secure them as needed. Hire a pro if this is beyond your skill level or you’re afraid of heights.
3. Look for attic leaks
Inspect the underside of the roof decking in the attic for signs of water seepage. Ice can penetrate damaged shingles, and cause a leak in the attic upon melting. Call a roofer if you find damage.
4. Inspect for animal intruders
Squirrels, raccoons, rats, and possums may have invaded your attic to escape the winter chill. Look for nests, often made in the insulation. Call a licensed wildlife removal professional if you find evidence of animal trespassers.
5. Relocate firewood
If you have firewood in the yard, move the pile several yards from the house. A woodpile attracts termites, carpenter ants, skunks and possums when the weather warms up so keep it as far away from the house as possible.
6. Clean the windows
Remove the dirt and grime of winter from windows with a good cleaning, allowing that gorgeous spring sunshine to fill your rooms.
7. Ward off an Spring insect invasion
Remove any standing water around the property to limit the spread of mosquitoes. Call a pest control professional to inspect for wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants and termites that can damage your home. This is not a do-it-yourself job.
8. Nourish your landscape for Spring
Depending on your climate, apply fertilizer and weed-control treatment in March or April. Consult local garden stores for timing and best products. After the last frost, add colorful annuals with a layer of mulch to rejuvenate your flower beds.
9. Get ready for outdoor relaxation
It’s time to fire up the grill. Wipe down the hood, knobs and handles with a mix of vinegar and water. Stock up on propane or charcoal. Scrub the grill grates to get them ready for the first cookout. Check gas burners to make sure no creatures have made nests inside over the winter.
10. Start up the lawn equipment
Soon the lawn will need mowing and edging. Fill the gas tanks and oil reservoirs of your mower and trimmer. Make sure the mower blade is sharp and the weed eater has plenty of the proper-size line. Start each and give them their first workout of the season. Start the leaf blower and clear off the drive and walkways.
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