With Spring around the corner...now is the perfect time to start these maintenance tasks!
Touch-Up Paint
Keep your painted surfaces in good condition by scraping off any chipped/peeling paint and spot painting exposed areas. Leaving wood exposed makes it very prone to rot. Start by sanding down any rough areas and priming the spots that have become bare. Choose a warm, dry day to repair paint so that it can dry properly!
Trim Overgrowth
Trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house —it's ideal to get an early start before leaves grow! Keep branches 5 to 7 feet away from your house so they can’t create moisture on your roofing and siding. This also helps prevent squirrels from finding a way into your attic!
Clear Gutters
This early-spring maintenance task is a must-do (at least twice a year)! Look in gutter bottoms for granules--a signal that your asphalt roof may need repairs (see roof inspection, below). If you have a blockage in the downspout gooseneck, use can ream it out with a garden hose! You'll need a helper for this--they can turn the water on for you when you're ready. Push the hose into the bent part of the downspout, and make sure it places water at least 5 feet away from your home for proper drainage.
Inspect Roof
Give your roof some serious care--know that your roof is a system where little issues can turn into big headaches down the road. You can inspect your roof from a securely set ladder, or use a pair of binoculars if you aren't comfortable with heights. Keep an eye out for curled up/missing shingles, rusted and pitted flashing, cracked caulk around pipes, skylights and other obstructions. An average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is about 15-20 years. One tell-tale sign of an old roof are lots of granules in your gutters.
Check Foundation Vents
If your home has a crawl space, it has vents along the foundation walls. These provide air circulation that helps drive away excess moisture and prevent mold growth! These vents usually have screens over them that are magnets for debris and leaves! Spring is the perfect time to clean out these vents and check screens for damage.
