Spring Outdoor Home Maintenance Checklist

We’re now just over a month into spring, and although the weather may still be cool and damp, warmer, drier days are just around the corner, and we’re soon going to be spending a considerable amount of time outdoors, yay! Spring cleaning and organizing inside our homes is a topic we’ve previously covered, however, we also need to talk about the various things that need to be taken care of outside our homes this time of year. This is the perfect month to tackle exterior maintenance, so read on as we outline the tasks you should have on your checklist in order to prepare your home for the warmer months ahead! 

 1. CHECK YOUR ROOF

Do a walk around your property to check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter. One way of doing this is to get up on a ladder, obviously practicing safety first and making sure it’s stable before you climb up! If you’re not going to be doing any ladder climbing, you can always go across the street (perhaps with a pair of binoculars), where you can get a better view of your roof. You’re looking for damaged or missing shingles, cracks and other signs of wear and tear, leaking or cracking. You also want to look for any granule loss. Over time, asphalt shingles can lose their protective granules, making them more susceptible to rain, wind, and sun damage. Shingles that are cracked, loose, buckled, or are missing granules, need to be replaced. Contact a professional roofer to address any issues that you notice. You should also do an examination of the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage, and have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

2. CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Spring is the perfect time to clean your gutters and downspouts in order to remove any dirt and debris that may have accumulated over the winter. Doing this will prevent water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. It’s a good idea to do a perimeter check to make sure that nothing has come loose or detached from the house. If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder, you’ll want to get up there to check for any clogs and make sure water is making its way out of the downspouts, which should face away from your home to improve drainage. Clogged gutters from a soggy spring can cause water to pool, potentially damaging your roof. Debris buildup in your gutters can also cause them to sag or pull away from your home, which shortens their lifespan. Regular cleaning of your gutters can help extend their life and help avoid the need for more expensive repairs/replacements. If you’re not comfortable climbing a ladder, check with contractors in your area, as many offer these services.

 3. HAVE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM SERVICED

Initial things you can do on your own are remove any debris from around the unit, clean ducts and vents, and replace filters. Clogged filters means air can’t easily pass through and your unit will need to work harder to cool your home. This translates into more money for you. You can also vacuum any dust that has settled on the unit and connections as over time it can impact the air conditioner’s effectiveness. It’s best to have a professional service your HVAC system prior to the summer to ensure that everything is working efficiently. Proper maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your system and catch potential issues earlier, thus preventing more costly repairs down the road.

 4. INSPECT WINDOWS AND DOORS

Check your windows and doors for any cracks or air leaks that may have developed over the previous months. If you experienced condensation inside the glass during the winter, the weather seal has been compromised, and either the glass or the window will need to be replaced. Replacing damaged weatherstripping and installing energy efficient windows will keep your home’s temperature consistent, ultimately saving you money on your energy bills. You will also want to fix or replace any damaged window or door screens so as to avoid any bugs from entering. Pollen and grime can also build up on window screens, so it’s a good idea to clean them once a year, which you can do using a vacuum and dusting attachment. Spring is also the time of year you want to wash your windows (inside and out). You can use a natural cleaner comprised of one cup of rubbing alcohol, one cup of water and a tablespoon of white wine vinegar with either a soft cloth or squeegee. Give screens a deep clean by removing them, washing them down with a mild detergent and laying them flat to air dry. You do not want to use a high pressure spray washer or abrasive cleaners as they can damage both your glass and the screens.

 5. EXAMINE THE CONCRETE

Repeated freezing and thawing from the winter months can take a toll on concrete and asphalt. Do a walk around your property to check for cracks along your driveway, walkways (or pool deck, if you have one), as you want to avoid any water from entering into your house. Schedule a repair if needed.

6. TEST SPRINKLERS AND TURN ON FAUCETS

You want to make sure you turn on all outdoor faucets and test them by placing your finger over the opening. If the flow of water stops, you may need to call a professional to inspect your pipes. You should also test out your sprinklers to look for leaks and faulty sprinkler heads. It may seem obvious, but ensure that the sprinklers are aimed at your grass and not your porch or sidewalk, as they may have gotten shifted during the winter. 

7. DECLUTTER YOUR GARAGE

If you can’t easily park your car in your garage, it’s time to do some spring cleaning in there! Clear out junk, take any hazardous materials (leftover paint, car oil, etc…) to a recycling center, and consider adding some wall mounted shelving to keep items tidy, organized and off the floor. It’s also a good time to give your trash and recycling bins a good wash. Clean them with a mild detergent/soap and scrub where needed. Spray down with the hose and let them dry out in the warm spring sun.

 8. CLEAN AND REPAIR YOUR DECK/PATIO

You want to thoroughly remove any dirt, debris and mildew that may have accumulated on your deck over the winter. Check for any damage such as loose or rotting boards, water stains, warping or discolouration, and make repairs as needed. It’s a good idea to stain and reseal your wood decks (along with fences, pergolas, trellises, and other outdoor structures) each spring. Proper maintenance will ensure that your deck is safe and functional for all your summertime grilling, dining and relaxing! If you have a stone patio, a simple hose down will likely be all the maintenance you need, unless you spot stains or moss, in which case you will need to do some extra cleaning.

9. OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND GRILLS

Whether your lawn furniture was stored inside for the winter or covered outside, give it a good wash with a mild detergent. If you have metal furniture, you want to check for signs of rust or paint erosion, which can be easily fixed with a spray enamel. This will help prolong the life of your furniture in the heat and humidity of the summer months.

Don’t forget to check your grills as well. If you own a charcoal one, make sure the grill is clean and free of grease buildup. If you have not used your gas grill at all over the winter, check burner jets for clogs and obstructions, and be sure that gas hoses and connections are secure. You’ll also want to double check that you have enough propane to start the BBQ season.

10. START TO PREPARE YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN

Spring is the time to tend to your lawn, to ensure lovely green grass all summer long. You want to start by raking your lawn to remove any debris and dead grass. This will allow fertilizer and any grass seed you’re using to properly penetrate the soil. You should prune your trees and shrubs and start to think about what flowers you want to plant. If you plan on a vegetable garden, start to prepare the beds by getting rid of weeds and adding compost. You will want to cover the beds with a plastic sheet to keep the soil warm until you are ready to sow the plants.

This is also the perfect time to take inventory of your lawn maintenance equipment and tools, including hoses, trimmers and mowers.  

We’re all excited that spring is upon us and are looking forward to spending many hours outside our homes, relaxing, entertaining, and basking in the summer heat. We hope you feel better equipped to tackle some of the outdoor maintenance which will ensure that your home is in tip-top shape for the warmer months ahead. Now bring on the sun!

Be sure to check out the SHOP page on our website, where you’ll find all our beautiful collections that will suit any of your hardware needs, including stunning exterior door handles which would be a perfect way to upgrade your front door this spring!