Spring home maintenance is crucial in preventing minor damages from escalating into major issues over time. By addressing small repairs as they arise, you can ensure your home remains in excellent condition.
The complexity of each task can vary, but having the appropriate tools and materials can significantly ease the process of inspecting and repairing your home. To assist you in identifying potential problems, the team at Clarks Ace Hardware has developed a thorough checklist. This guide will aid in the early detection of issues, allowing for prompt repairs and upkeep.
Exterior Maintenance
We’ll start your spring maintenance outside the house. This will include the exterior of the home itself, as well as the surrounding property.
Roof and Gutter Inspection
Roof and gutters protect your home from the elements. Damaged roofs can lead to interior water damage or dangerous mold. Compromised gutters can harm your foundation or cause flooding. Check for water damage inside the home and inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles and unevenness. Clean any debris from the gutters to ensure they function correctly.
Window and Door Checks
Your windows and doors also serve to protect the home from the elements. They keep the outside temperature from making the home uncomfortable and prevent water from coming into the home. When inspecting them, look for any gaps or cracks in the sealant and repair them. Any damaged glass or screens should also be replaced.
Landscaping and Garden Preparation
Further away from the home, examine any trees or plants that might need trimming. This will improve the appearance of the property but also encourage healthy growth. To help your lawn and garden look their best as spring comes around, apply fertilizers, and weed killer, and aerate as needed.
Interior Maintenance
Now we’ll move inside the home and begin inspecting the interior portion.
HVAC System Check
Your HVAC system keeps the temperature in the home comfortable, but it also helps prevent contaminants from entering the home. To do that, its filters must be replaced regularly. Spring is a perfect time to do so. Before the temperature gets warm, make sure the A/C performs well. If not, call an HVAC technician out to inspect it.
Plumbing and Leak Checks
Your pipes are another source of potential leakage. Their job is to bring water into the home, but a leak will deposit that water where it doesn’t belong. Check pipes under sinks, around appliances, and inside access panels to ensure they aren’t leaking. Test faucets, showers, and toilets for proper operation. Repair any drips or water pressure issues that you find.
General Cleaning and Organization
A well-cleaned home is aesthetically pleasing and will put the owners in a better state of mind. But it also improves health and well-being by reducing allergens and bacteria. For deep cleaning, focus on overlook areas, such as under furniture and appliances. Taking the time to organize closets and storage space can improve the home’s functionality, making your daily routines more efficient.
Safety Checks and Updates
Because of their importance, we’ve put safety updates into their category.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
To keep your home safe from the damaging effects of fire or the silent, deadly, effects of carbon monoxide, having functioning detectors is important. For all of the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home, check the batteries and use the test button to ensure the device works. Place smoke detectors throughout the home. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are near fireplaces and other areas of the home that might produce excess carbon monoxide.
Emergency Kit and Plan Review
Keeping your emergency kit updated ensures it has the supplies you need when you need them. Replace any supplies that have expired, make sure important medication is in the kit, and keep batteries for radios or other devices. After the kit is updated, familiarize your family with what the kit contains. Also, take this time to plan how you’ll react in an emergency. Discuss evacuation routes, meeting points, and emergency contacts.
Essential Tools and Supplies
Below are some supplies that will be helpful for you during the spring cleaning process:
- Pruning shears for trimming plants
- Soil amendments (compost, fertilizer) for garden prep
- HVAC filters for system maintenance
- Caulk and sealant for leak prevention
- Pipe insulation to prevent freezing
- Leak detection dye tablets for toilets
- High-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators
- Storage bins and organizers for decluttering
- Ladder for gutter cleaning and roof inspection
- Pressure washer for exterior cleaning
Get Your Spring Maintenance Supplies at Clark’s Hardware
Getting the right supplies is important to doing a thorough job. You’ll find all the supplies you need at our Columbia and Ellicott City hardware stores. There, you’ll find a helpful staff that can help you determine what supplies you’ll need and how to best approach your project.
Recent Comments