There are things we do routinely, then there are things they are often regulated to the one time of year that signals a fresh start, spring. Because who doesn’t like giving the interior and exterior of their home a mini facelift every now and then?
Let this list of home maintenance tips be your inspiration for tackling your “spring cleaning to-do” list. If you’re an ambitious homeowner you could tackle most of these items in one or two weekends time. Here’s some of our favorites to get you started:
Tip #1: Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
As if the recent cold weather wasn’t injury enough, homeowners are now facing the bristle end of a paintbrush, as they fix weather damages to their home’s exterior paint. If you notice the paint around or on your home’s doors, windows, shutters and siding is looking a few shades lighter this spring it may be time to apply a fresh coat of paint.
Tip #2: Check Your Garage Door for Possible Damages
Winter storms can really take its toll out on your garage door, so make sure to give your door and its components a careful inspection this spring, but don’t do any repairs on your own. With the door closed look at all of the parts that make up your door including its springs, cables, rollers, tracks and mounting hardware for any visible problems.
Next, perform a balance test. Do this by disengaging the door from the opener and manually lifting the door; slow and steady is the way to go. Your door should lift smoothly and stay open. But if it doesn’t then you’ll need to contact a professional garage door repair company who can properly rebalance the door for you.
The next and final step is to make sure its automatic reversing mechanism works correctly. With the door completely open, place an object big or small on the ground between the door’s “safety eyes”, then close the door. When your door comes in contact with the object it should automatically reverse direction. If it doesn’t, call a professional.
Tip #3: Provide Your Landscaping with Some TLC
Spring has sprung, which means it’s time to make your home more inviting and boost its curb appeal, by providing your landscaping with some much needed TLC – especially considering that you probably weren’t gardening in the colder winter months.
To start, you should clean up your yard by removing any unwanted plants, weeds and debris, followed by properly fertilizing what you plan on keeping. This will help your plants look lush and healthy. Buy some annuals to add a splash of color and prune back any older plantings for a fresh look.
Tip #4: Check Your Driveway and Walkway for Cracks
Breaking news: Jack Frost’s icy clutch claimed the “lives” of many driveways and walkways this past winter. If you reside in an area where it snowed or rained this winter the salt, sand and pellets that you used to avoid slipping may have inadvertently eaten away at your driveways and walkways.
Carefully inspect these areas for any cracking or movement and take care of as needed in order to prevent the cracks from growing even larger. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. If weather permits, follow this up by power washing and sealing the concrete. Make sure to choose high-quality materials.
