Happy First Day of Spring! Finally, the cold weather is
starting to melt away and we can prepare for many Cookouts since the
weather will be so great! What else could you ask for this Spring? Here are a
few home maintenance tips to get your Spring Season off on the right foot!
- Check for loose
or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or
crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are
clear and free of debris.
- Low areas in the
yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil.
Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation
flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in the
summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
- Use a
screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and
decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the
exposed wood.
- From the ground,
examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If
your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for
replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that
are cracked, buckled, or loose or are missing granules need to be
replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights, and chimneys need to
be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
- Examine the
exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and
inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
- Inspect concrete
slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool
decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks will a
concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power wash
and then seal the concrete.
- Remove firewood
stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the
ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
- Check outside
hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or
finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely
the pipe inside the home is damage and will need to be replaced. While
you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
- Have a qualified
heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the
air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an
annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance
levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
- Check your gas
and battery powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer
use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yard work easier.
Don’t forget to check out BROILMASTER Days this weekend at
Just Grillin! We’re starting at 10:00 AM with a FREE class on smoking wings. At
noon, a BROILMASTER representative will show you all the new grills BROILMASTER
has to offer. You don’t want to miss this!