Winter is almost behind us and spring is just around the corner! We’ve had a particularly rainy winter, which can be rough on your home and your roof. Some places in the Portland area even had flooding!
There’s no better time to get a head start on all your home maintenance to-do items.
Ready to get started? Work your way through our Spring Home Maintenance Checklist to get your home ready for summer. Once you take a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy those glorious warm, sunny months ahead.
Exterior Checklist
Most damage done to your home during the fall and winter will happen to its exterior. That’s why we suggest you fix up your home starting with the outside and working your way in.
Roof
Rain, wind, and ice can damage your roof, but not only that — they also make it harder to get out there and check for damage.
Now that the really tough weather is probably behind us, this is a good time to have your roof inspected. First, you’ll want to get rid of moss, small branches, and leaves that have fallen on your roof over the winter. Next make sure there are no loose, cracked, or missing shingles.
If you see any potential problems, we can give you a free roof inspection with no obligation to buy.
Foundation & Masonry
Walk around the outside of your house and look at the foundation and masonry near the ground. Keep your eyes out for cracks and other damage, especially where pipes enter the house. Gaps and cracks can let moisture into your home. We Oregonians still have a couple more rainy months ahead of us, so you don’t want moisture getting into your foundation!
Small cracks can be filled with caulk, but if you see big cracks or gaps, call a foundation specialist who can bond cracks chemically.
Check around your windows too. That’s where hot outside air gets in and cooled inside air escapes, making it hard to keep the house cool when summer hits.
Paint & Siding
Did you know paint protects your home from the elements and prevents mold and rot?
If any part of your house needs a new coat of paint, spring is the time to do it. Pick a mild, sunny day when it’s not too hot and there’s no rain forecasted for the next few days.
Driveway & Garage
Many people never clean their driveways and garage floors, but that’s how many people end up tracking dirt, leaves, and dust from outside into the house.
Get a good concrete cleaner or even invest in a pressure washer if you’re feeling ambitious. And don’t forget to clean the garage door while you’re at it!
Now, what about what’s inside your garage? If you’re like most people, chances are you don’t actually use most of it. Think about planning a garage sale with your neighbors. Or make a trip to Goodwill and donate what you don’t want.
Lawn & Landscaping
First things first: If you use a lawnmower (especially a gas- or battery-powered one) and other lawn equipment, make sure everything is ready to use. Clean and sharpen cutting blades to make yard work a breeze when summer comes around.
Next, give trees, shrubs, and bushes that need it a good trim. Pruning helps most plants grow back healthier. If you have a lot of larger plants in your yard, make sure you have the right tools to prune safely. And call in an expert for really big or precariously positioned trees.
Garden
If you’ve been avoiding the garden during winter, now is the time to get back on track! Get rid of weeds and dead plants from last year, and decide what you’ll be growing this spring and summer. Why not start a vegetable garden?
The Portland Nursery recommends waiting until mid-April to start planting. After that, it’s prime growing season for:
Leafy greens- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Garlic
- Peas
- Onions
Then, once the weather gets warm, you can move on to summer veggies, like:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Zucchinis
Interior Checklist
Once you get to this point, the hard part is over. Head inside for an iced tea before getting started on the inside of the house.
Fans & Air Conditioning
If you have air conditioning, ceiling fans, or portable fans, test them out now. If anything needs repairs, it’s better to find out now than on our first 90-degree day this summer.
Check the air conditioning hose connections for leaks and change the filter.
Don’t forget to remove dust and wipe everything down with a damp cloth — especially ceiling fans. You don’t want a dust shower when you turn them on for the first time!
Attic & Basement
Inspect both your attic and your basement for signs of rodents, insects, and other pests. Also search thoroughly for gray or black blotchy spots, which could be mold. Good insulation and vents will help prevent future mold growth, so check them too.
Finally, check humidity levels in the basement by checking the walls and floor for dampness. High humidity could be a sign you need better ventilation or even a dehumidifier.
Fire Alarms, Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all your fire alarms as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — it’s a good safety precaution to take at least twice a year. Replace all the batteries while you’re at it.
It’s better to be overly cautious than to risk your family’s health and safety.
Ready to Get to Work?
Don’t feel overwhelmed by our spring home maintenance checklist. Most things can be completed in a matter of minutes if there are no problems.
Our recommendation? Pick one or two things to work on this weekend and take the rest a bit at a time.
Getting through everything will feel great, and you’ll be able to enjoy your spring and summer with the peace of mind that your home and your family are safe.
And if you need a roof inspection, replacement, or regular maintenance, we can help!
For a free roof inspection or a no-pressure quote, contact us today or call us at
(503) 481-3699.
Photos: Mark Rosenwald, Decorative Concrete Kingdom, Lori L. Stalteri, Jamie Beverly
