Spring home maintenance

{{whyLabel}}: Winter ice and wind can loosen shingles, leading to leaks that cause expensive attic and ceiling damage.

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• Use binoculars to scan the roof from the ground for missing, curled, or cracked shingles.
• Check flashing around chimneys and vents for rust or cracked sealant.
• Inspect the attic for water stains or light peeking through the roof deck.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All damaged shingles are identified and the attic shows no signs of moisture.

{{whyLabel}}: Clogged gutters cause water to overflow, damaging siding and leading to foundation erosion or basement flooding.

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• Remove leaves and debris by hand or with a gutter scoop.
• Flush the system with a garden hose to ensure water flows freely through downspouts.
• Verify that downspout extensions direct water at least 4-6 feet away from the foundation.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Water flows unimpeded from the roof to the designated drainage area.

{{whyLabel}}: Freeze-thaw cycles can expand small cracks, allowing water and pests to enter the home.

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• Walk the entire perimeter of the home, looking for hairline or wider cracks in the concrete.
• Note any areas where soil has settled or slopes toward the house.
• Seal small cracks with a concrete-grade masonry sealant.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The foundation is inspected and all visible cracks are documented or sealed.

{{whyLabel}}: Damaged seals increase cooling costs and allow spring rain to rot wooden frames.

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• Examine the exterior caulking around all window and door frames.
• Look for peeling paint or gaps in weatherstripping.
• Re-caulk any areas where the old material is brittle or missing.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All exterior openings are airtight and watertight.

{{whyLabel}}: A clean AC unit runs up to 15% more efficiently and prevents compressor failure during summer heatwaves.

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• Clear debris (leaves, twigs) from around the outdoor condenser, maintaining a 2-foot clearance.
• Gently clean the condenser fins with a soft brush or garden hose (low pressure).
• Replace the indoor air filter with a high-efficiency MERV 11 or 13 filter.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The unit is free of debris and a fresh filter is installed.

{{whyLabel}}: Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires and significantly increases drying time.

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• Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer.
• Use a vent cleaning brush or vacuum to remove lint from the hose and the wall duct.
• Check the exterior vent flap to ensure it opens and closes freely.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The vent line is clear of lint and airflow is strong at the exterior exit.

{{whyLabel}}: Spring is the standard time to ensure these life-saving devices have fresh power.

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• Press the 'test' button on every unit in the house.
• Replace batteries in all non-hardwired units (even if they aren't chirping).
• Check the manufacture date; replace any units older than 10 years.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every detector in the home is confirmed functional with fresh batteries.

{{whyLabel}}: Removing sediment buildup improves heating efficiency and extends the life of the tank.

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• Turn off the power/gas to the heater.
• Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain or outside.
• Open the valve and flush until the water runs clear.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The water heater is free of sediment and restarted.

{{whyLabel}}: Remaining water in pipes can freeze and crack valves over winter, leading to leaks when turned on.

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• Turn on the outdoor faucet and check for leaks at the handle.
• Place your thumb over the spout; if you can stop the flow easily, there may be a crack inside the pipe.
• Check garden hoses for dry rot or cracks.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All outdoor water sources are confirmed leak-free.

{{whyLabel}}: Removing dead grass (thatch) and debris allows sunlight and oxygen to reach the soil for new growth.

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• Use a sturdy rake to pull up matted patches of grass.
• Remove fallen branches, leaves, and stones.
• Identify bare spots that will need overseeding once soil temperatures rise.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The lawn is clear of debris and thatch is loosened.

{{whyLabel}}: Preventing weeds like crabgrass before they sprout is much easier than treating them later.

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• Monitor soil temperature; apply when it consistently reaches 50-55°F (10-13°C).
• Use a broadcast spreader for even coverage.
• Water the lawn lightly after application to activate the product.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The herbicide is applied evenly across the entire lawn area.

{{whyLabel}}: Spring cleaning prevents mold growth and protects wood/stone from UV damage and rain.

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• Sweep away all dirt and debris.
• Use an all-purpose outdoor cleaner and a stiff brush (or low-pressure power washer).
• If the surface is wood, apply a fresh coat of water-repellent sealant if water no longer beads on the surface.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The outdoor surface is clean and protected from moisture.

{{whyLabel}}: Clean windows maximize natural light and improve the home's overall appearance.

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• Remove screens and scrub them with soapy water and a soft brush.
• Wash window glass using a squeegee and a mixture of water and a drop of dish soap.
• Wipe down interior sills and tracks to remove accumulated dust and dead insects.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All windows are streak-free and screens are clear of dust.

{{whyLabel}}: Grease-clogged filters are a fire hazard and reduce the effectiveness of your kitchen ventilation.

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• Remove the metal mesh filters from the range hood.
• Soak them in a sink filled with hot water and a heavy-duty degreasing dish soap.
• Scrub gently and let dry completely before reinstalling.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Filters are free of sticky grease and airflow is restored.

{{whyLabel}}: Reversing the fan direction to counter-clockwise creates a downdraft that provides a cooling breeze.

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• Use a damp cloth or an old pillowcase to wipe dust off the blades.
• Toggle the small switch on the fan motor to the 'summer' (counter-clockwise) setting.
• Clean the light globes while you have the ladder out.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Fans are clean and rotating in the correct direction for cooling.