Winter weather takes a toll on your home. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to do the basic upkeep that’ll help your property to stay in top shape for years to come.
While it’s tempting to put off these tasks, spring is the best time to do them. You’ll catch issues while they’re small and easier to repair, so you can relax and enjoy your home. This spring home checklist for maintaining your exterior will make it easy to get started:
9 Home Maintenance Needs to Tackle This Spring—and Every Spring!
Wind, snow, and ice can be harsh on your home’s roof, siding, foundation, and other exterior elements. So, before you do anything else, do a visual check around the outside of your house.
1. Roof/Attic
You don’t have to climb onto your roof to check it, so skip the ladder and grab binoculars. View the roof from all angles, looking for loose or missing shingles and areas where the roofing doesn’t lie flat. Check the attic for leaks, wet insulation, pest nests, and holes in the roof. These are all signs you may need repairs—or a roof replacement.
2. Siding
Winter weather can leave dirt and debris on your siding that can contribute to issues like mold, mildew, and rot. First, look for and repair damage such as broken boards. Then perform cleaning with tools and cleaning solutions designed for your siding material. The wood may need painting. James Hardie fiber cement siding needs gentle rinsing. (Check out more tips for cleaning Hardie siding.)
3. Windows
Windows are a major point of entry for water leaks, so replace any missing caulking and keep an eye out for signs of wood rot. If you have old, failing, or broken windows, consider window replacement to make your home more efficient and secure.
4. Porch/Deck
Check decking for loose or rotting boards, mold, and mildew. Wash the flooring, then stain and seal it if needed. (Water-resistant sealant should be applied every 3-5 years.) Also, repair any loose steps or railings.
5. Foundation
Walk around your home exterior to look for pooling water, as well as soil that has pulled away from the walls. These are signs you may have moisture damage affecting your foundation slab. Look in your basement and crawl space for mold, mildew, wood rot, and leaks.
6. Driveway/Walkways
Check concrete for cracks, and either make spot repairs or have fresh concrete laid. If your driveway is asphalt, applying a sealant keeps moisture from causing potholes and pitting.
7. Fence/Yard
Look around your front, back, and side yards for issues. Whether you’re dealing with standing water, broken gates, dying plants, or other concerns—these issues can dampen curb appeal, make your home less secure, invite in pests, and foster moisture damage.
8. Gutters
Take a look at all your gutters and make sure they are firmly in place and level. If they are cracked, broken, or off-kilter, replacements may be needed. Clear out clogs and make sure downspouts aim water away from your foundation.
9. Chimney
If you have a chimney, take a look at the bricks to ensure they’re securely in place. Repair any mortar that’s missing or worn. If the chimney is leaning, it may mean you have foundation issues. If you see areas covered in white calcium-like deposits (called efflorescence), these are signs you may have water infiltration.
Upgrade Your Home for Spring with Help from Our Pro Team
As you inspect your home this spring, you may find something that needs more care than you can handle with a quick touch-up, such as siding that’s worn down. Spring is a perfect time for upgrades and repairs so that any issues you’ve noticed don’t have a chance to grow worse.
At Siding & Windows Group, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in the Chicago area enjoy beautiful, trusted exterior renovations. Check out our reviews to discover what our clients love about working with us for their home upgrades.
