While our wacky Illinois weather has made it difficult to plan much ahead, we will soon move on to consistently warmer temps, with better and better days to be outside.
As we interact with customers and observe all the Spring projects around us, we notice some tasks that seem to be consistently on the to-do list. We thought we’d share these ideas with you to help you get organized, as well as improve your home’s appearance and longevity:
Home Maintenance Check-List for Spring:
- 1. Check your roof: Inspect your roof for any damage caused by winter weather, debris, or hail (as parts of IL have already had THREE hail storms!). Look for missing shingles, cracks, leaks, or any other signs of wear and tear. This can be done by safely accessing your roof through a window or by ladder, by using binoculars from the ground or, if you’re drone-savy, by taking video from the sky. You can see in the video below how we were able to view the entire roof from the sky. If you notice any issues on your own roof, feel free to contact us for repairs.
- 2. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clear out any debris that has accumulated in your gutters and downspouts over the winter. This will ensure that rainwater can flow freely and prevent water damage to your home’s siding and foundation. For tips on how to do this, see our recent blog on the issue here.
- 3. Test your outdoor water access: If you have an irrigation system, test it to make sure it’s working properly. Look for any leaks or broken sprinkler heads, and adjust the timer to reflect the changing weather conditions. Briefly run and flush out spigots to the outside.
4. Service your HVAC system: Schedule an annual service call for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. This will help ensure that it’s working efficiently and prevent any breakdowns during the hot summer months.
5. Check your siding, windows and doors: Scan your siding for any gaps or damage. Inspect your windows and doors for any drafts or cracks that could be letting in outside air. Consider replacing any damaged weather stripping or caulking to improve energy efficiency.
6. Clean your outdoor spaces: Sweep your deck or patio and, if you choose, power wash any surfaces that have accumulated dirt or grime over the winter. This will help prevent slips and falls and create a clean outdoor living space for the warmer months. Plus, removing leaf debris from the immediate perimeter of your home can reduce unwanted insects from being drawn inside.- 7. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and test them to make sure they’re working properly.
- 8. Inspect your landscaping: Check your trees and shrubs for any signs of damage or disease. Spring is the perfect time for pruning any dead or damaged branches and fertilizing your plants as needed to encourage healthy growth.
- 9. Check your sump pump: Spring will surely bring even more rain. If you have a sump pump, test it to make sure it’s working properly. Consider installing a battery backup system to ensure that it will continue to work in the event of a power outage.
- 10. Inspect your outdoor lighting: Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and check the wiring on your outdoor lighting fixtures to make sure they’re working properly. This will ensure that you have adequate lighting for safety and security.
We hope that you have found this checklist useful and, while it can feel overwhelming, remember you can always delegate! If you find yourself needing a team to help with a new roof, siding, or a replacement gutter system, we are a GAF-certified contractor with 20+ years in the business that prides ourselves on transparency: we’d be happy to help.
We wish you a wonderful, happy spring and look forward to seeing your project ideas!
