Homeowners Spring Maintenance Checklist

Hello spring! When winter departs, it’s also a time to check for any winter damages and make repairs as you prepare for hot weather ahead.

Make sure your home is ready for the change in seasons:

1.  Clean & repair gutters and downspouts.

After the last frost has passed, it’s important to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. If they’re sagging, reattach the
gutters, or replace them with new hardware. Use caulking to seal holes and prevent leaking. If your downspouts are installed properly, water should be diverted away from the house to prevent water from collecting around your foundation.
Homeowners Spring Maintenance Checklist

2.  Inspect the concrete.

Take a walk around your property to look for cracking in the driveway, walkways or pool deck, and foundation. You can fill cracks with concrete filler or silicone caulk, but if the concrete is severely damaged, you may want to call on a professional.

3.  Check for signs of termites.

Beginning in March and going through May, be on the lookout for winged insects. Call a licensed professional pest control company. You will save money and trouble in the long run.

4.  Inspect your roof.

Winter storms can take a toll on the roof. When spring arrives, start by making a simple visual inspection. Use binoculars, camera, or a smartphone with a telephoto feature. Look for damaged or missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged, and signs of rusting, cracking or leaking. If you notice anything that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.

5.  Check outside faucets.

Inspect hose faucets for freeze damage by turning on the water and placing a finger over the opening. If that stops the water flow, the pipe may be damaged. Call a professional to determine if they need replacing.

6.  Give your fences, railings, decks and pergolas some attention.

Check the deck for signs of water stains, discoloration and warping. Look for rusty or loose nails, and make sure the railings and stairs are safely secured. Consider staining or resealing every year or two.

7.  Schedule air-conditioning service.

To get the longest life out of your cooling system, change the filters at least once each season. Hire a professional to service the equipment and schedule an HVAC tune-up before the start of summer. Don’t forget to remove any debris from around the cooling unit.

8.  Check sprinkler and irrigation systems.

Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the Spring can save water and your plants. Turn your sprinklers on to check if the system is still working properly. Look for leaks or damaged sprinkler heads. Adjust any heads that are spraying the street, sidewalks, house, or windows, as this can cause moisture problems.

9.  Inspect windows and doors.

Check for cracks or holes and repair as necessary. Use a screen repair kit to fix holes or tears that bugs can sneak through.

10.  Inspect driveways, paths, and landscaping.

Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and hardscaping materials. Take a walk around your property to look for damage. Clear your landscaping of debris, trim overgrowth and plant fresh additions so that you can make room for your new flowers.

Bottom Line:

Take advantage of the temperatures to get a head start on what should be an annual Spring home maintenance routine. This includes dusting off the corners on the insurance policies and evaluate your coverages. If you update your roofing, heating, and air-conditioning systems, you may qualify for additional discounts under your homeowners insurance. Performing an insurance review might just be what is needed to protect your assets while putting money back in your pocket.

Homeowners Spring Maintenance Checklist brought to you by HM Risk – Vanessa Scavuzzo (VP, Producer) – HBA Home Pro

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