9 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Spring

As we swing into spring, most of us are thinking about spring cleaning — after all, we’ve been cooped up, and our houses can likely use a good scrubbing. But after you’ve tackled those tasks, you’ll want to move on to vital maintenance activities that can help preserve the investment you’ve made in your home. While maintenance often gets pushed to the bottom of your list, it’s a key factor in keeping all your systems at their best.

Here are nine areas — inside and out — that could use some TLC once the snow melts and before spring fever hits.

Spring Maintenance Area 1: Up High

1. Clean out gutters. 

You might think that blocked gutters will just cause a temporary waterfall, but the damage can be far more insidious. A clogged gutter can harm your home’s siding, foundation, and landscaping when water routinely cascades over the side and then pools on the ground below, rather than draining properly. In addition to cleaning your gutters, you may need to install new hardware, as gutters that are clogged with debris will also sag and pull away from your siding.

2. Check the downspouts. 

While you’re maintaining your gutter system, double-check that downspouts are angled away from the foundation. You may want to attach extensions so that they drain farther away from the house so that water can’t seep in and cause damage.

3. Inspect your roof for damage. 

High winds or excessive rain or snow can cause damage to your shingles, and a leaky roof cultivates the perfect conditions for mold to grow. If you don’t feel great about heading up on the roof, or aren’t sure what you’re looking for, it might be wise — and safer — to enlist a professional roofer.

Spring Maintenance Area 2: Outside

4. Gear up your garden. 

If you’re like us, you can’t wait for your first crocus or tulip to pop up. But make sure it has room to flourish by tending to your beds and cleaning up the broken branches, leaves, and other debris that might have accumulated. Now is also a great time to dethatch your lawn. You can tell if your lawn needs it by looking for spots that are soft and spongy.

5. Power wash your driveway and sidewalks. 

You would think that all the water you’ve had in the form of snow or rain would naturally clean outdoor areas, but no such luck; you’ll need to add some elbow grease. Pressure washing your cement will make them look almost like new and improve your curb appeal.

6. Maintain your deck. 

Some decks can be power-washed, but others need a more delicate touch to maintain them, such as scrubbing with a deck cleaner and brush. While you’re at it, make sure you check for rotted or lifting boards and have those fixed to keep the deck safe and looking its best.

Spring Maintenance Area 3: Inside

7. Spring clean items you probably didn’t know you needed to. 

Most people regularly clean out the fridge, but may not realize they should clean behind and under it, too, to keep it working more efficiently. It’s even smart to “wash” your dishwasher and washing machine to keep your appliances working optimally. While there are products on the market specifically for these functions, vinegar can do the trick, too.

8. Check your HVAC system. 

Routine maintenance is important to extend the life of your equipment and make the unit work efficiently to keep your house comfortable and your energy bills low. Now’s the time to change out your air filter as dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder and can even damage your equipment. Having a contractor inspect your unit regularly can keep it operating better and longer.

9. Fling open the windows. 

There’s nothing like a clean, fresh breeze to truly air out your home and get it ready for the warm days ahead. Fresh air can improve your air quality and make your home smell and feel better, and the best part is it’s the simplest thing on our list. Check it off and get outside.

 

Could your home insurance policy use a spring check-up too? Rely on the experts at Matic to make sure you have the coverage you need to keep your home shining all year long.