Bearingstar’s Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

With longer, warmer days right around the corner, spring is the perfect time to tackle some maintenance projects both inside and outside your home. After a few long months of harsh winter weather, experts suggest you inspect for damage and make any repairs needed for a seamless and problem-free transition between the seasons.

From checking your walkways for dangerous cracks to cleaning out debris from your gutters, we’ve put together a helpful checklist to make sure your home is ready for the upcoming spring season.

Outdoor Maintenance

• Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles and signs of rusting. Homeowners can have interior leaks on your ceilings or roof if this happens, but a quick scan of your roof, even from the ground, can help you identify problem areas that may need to be fixed by a professional.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris collect in your gutters throughout the fall and winter, so it’s crucial to have these cleaned out and inspected for any leaks ahead of the spring season. Make sure all downspouts are facing away from the foundation of your home for proper drainage.
• Inspect walkways and stairways for cracks. Frigid temperatures, snowstorms, and ice can cause these areas to crack. If this happens around your home, one suggestion is to fill any damage with a concrete filler or silicone caulk to help create a smoother, trip-free surface. You can always have a professional help you with this as well.
• Run outdoor faucets to check for freeze damage. Pro tip: If you turn on the water, place a finger over the spout. If the water flow stops, your pipe may be damaged. If this happens we recommend you call a professional to determine if the pipe needs to be replaced.
• Schedule annual maintenance on your HVAC system and replace filters. You should also remove debris around your cooling and heating systems to help them run efficiently.
• Test sprinkler systems. Look for leaks or broken sprinkler heads and adjust them. It is important to do so they’re not spraying your house, walkways, or porches.
• Inspect windows and doors. Check for cracks and holes and repair any problem areas. If you have screen doors, make sure they don’t have any tears that would allow bugs to get through.

Indoor Maintenance

• Inspect your basement and attic. Check walls and floors for water stains, signs of mold, and leaks. It’s essential to remove any unwanted moisture to prevent severe damage down the road.
• Perform routine home safety checks. This means checking batteries in smoke detectors, making sure fire extinguishers are intact, and testing exhaust fans to make sure they’re running smoothly. The spring is also a good time to have a professional come clean out your dryer vent to decrease your risk of fires.
• Clean your furnace. After months of use, clean the filter system, blower, and motor. A local professional can help do this for you if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
• Consider home upgrades. Old appliances and electronics can wreak havoc on your electric bill. Consider upgrading some of your older ones to create a more efficient energy system within your home this time of year.
• Review your insurance policy. With each changing season, a review of your current home insurance policy is important to make sure you’re adequately covered for the months ahead.

We hope this checklist helps you get a jump start on your home maintenance and keeps you and your home safe all season long. To learn more about your current home policy options, contact your local Bearingstar office or agent for a policy review today.