Spring Home Maintenance Projects To Tackle Now
We made it; spring is right around the corner — time to say goodbye to arctic blasts and bomb cyclones and hello to beach days, picnics, and other outdoor adventures! While you may be thinking about fun in the sun, here at Bearingstar Insurance, we’re thinking ahead to all of the important home maintenance projects that should get done to ensure that the harsh winter weather didn’t cause damage to your home, and to prepare it for the summer sun and heat.
We believe that being proactive always pays off, especially when it comes to home maintenance. Tackle these projects soon to avoid headaches and bigger issues down the road!
Outdoor Home Maintenance
Roof
Snow, ice, wind, and cold can all take their toll on your roof. Take some time to look around — are you missing any shingles? Are there areas that seem cracked, buckled or loose? Summer sun and heat, just like winter’s cold, can cause damage to a roof that is in need of repair, so address any issues now before it’s too late.
Gutters
Did your gutters hold up to the winter weather? Make sure they are not loose or leaking and take time to clear any debris that could be blocking drainage. You’ll be glad you did when the April showers start!
Walkways
Fluctuating winter temperatures can cause cracks in asphalt or concrete. Check areas like the driveway and walkways on your property to make sure cracks and other damages aren’t creating fall risks.
Lawn
Take time to clear your lawn of things like leaves, branches, and other debris, which can suffocate your grass if left uncleared. Trim back any overgrown branches or bushes, especially if they are touching the structure of your home. And if you have a lawn mower, don’t forget to tune it up before you use it!
Other Outdoor Spaces
If you have a patio or deck, check to see if any boards have become loose or warped. Give your outdoor space a good cleaning and consider whether or not a new coat of paint, stain, or sealant is necessary. If you have a gas grill, check to make sure that all connections are secure and that there are no obstructions.
Indoor Home Maintenance
Windows
Clean your windows and make sure all of your screens are in good condition. Check to see if any gaps have formed, and fill them with caulk as needed to help with insulation. Adding window treatments or shades can also help keep your home cooler in the summer sun.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Did you know that you should be testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month? If you’re not in the habit of doing that, you can at least remember to check them when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. If your detectors are battery operated, you should check the batteries every six months and replace them every year — before the annoying beeping starts!
HVAC Filters
Spring is a great time to replace your HVAC filters. Running the heat or air conditioning with dirty filters not only strains your system, it can also make your system less effective and increase your heating and cooling costs.
Dryer Vents
According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are more than 15,000 residential dryer fires every year. You can minimize this risk by regularly cleaning your dryer vents. Remove lint from the vent at the back of your machine and the vent cover outside of your home. If cleared properly, the vent cover should be unobstructed by lint and move freely.
Spring Cleaning
Spring is a great time to go through your belongings to make sure you’re not holding onto any clutter you don’t need. This is also a great opportunity to perform a home inventory! Go through your entire home and any outside storage spaces and take notes of all of your belongings, along with their value. If you have receipts, you should also include these.
In many cases, taking photos and videos can make this process easier — just make sure to be organized about it. Start from one end of your home, and do a clean sweep to make sure you’re going to every room on every floor and not leaving anything out. A home inventory doesn’t just help you keep stock of your belongings, it will also be incredibly handy if you ever need to file a home insurance claim!
We hope these tips help you enjoy all that spring in New England has to offer, without the worry of costly home repairs. If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to a Bearingstar agent anytime — visit our website or give us a call today!
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