How To Prepare Your Home For Spring After Winter Weather

Written by Sarrah Pelorus

Last updated 3/23/2021, 4:13:25 PM


Spring is known for its cool showers and blooming flowers but it’s also known for rapidly changing weather, sometimes this includes tornadoes and thunderstorms. While you are catching up on some spring cleaning and chores that you might have neglected through winter, you should also prep your home for the upcoming changes in weather patterns. While you are reorganizing closets and cleaning out cabinets, we have some maintenance items to add to your list to insure you and your family are ready for whatever weather may come your way in the coming months. Below are a few steps you should consider taking after the ice, snow and frigid temperatures have moved on.


Roof and Gutter Maintenance: 


  • Clean gutters and downspouts: A rough winter weather can leave behind damage to your home’s roof or gutters and downspouts. Clear any debris out of your gutters that may have accumulated and ensure all the downspouts are directed away from your home. Be sure to check for possible clogs by waiting for a rainy day to fill the gutters and see if water exits the downspouts. If the gutters overflow, or water does not exit the spouts, you may have a clog. Smaller clogs may diminish after flushing the downspout with a hose, but tougher ones may require the use of other tools (such as a plumber’s snake). Taking these precautions may help you avoid water backing up towards your home and causing damage when the spring rain arrives.
  • Check gutters for damage: Inspect your gutter system for damage, holes or cracks, that may have been caused by expansion from freezing and thawing of ice.
  • Check for roof damage: Check and routinely monitor the condition of your roof by looking for any damaged or missing shingles. If you have an attic, you should check for any signs of leaks or moisture. 


Tip: Remember to use caution when working on your gutters or roof, especially if you’ll be on a ladder. If you are not comfortable inspecting and cleaning these parts of your home, contact a professional for help.


AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM CHECKLIST


Depending on your location, it is possible you may not need to run your AC until summer weather arrives but it could be a good idea to get a head start by cleaning the unit and making any necessary repairs. 


  • Inspect the unit’s panels: Your air conditioner is surrounded by panels to enclose and protect its electrical system. Inspect these panels to ensure they’re still secured properly and haven’t sustained damage from harsh winter weather.
  • Clear away debris: Remove leaves, twigs and other vegetation that may be on or around the air conditioning unit. You will also want to check the interior of the unit for any lawn debris that may have made its way inside. If not removed, debris may limit the efficiency of your AC — or even cause damage once the air conditioner is turned on, says the American Society of Home Inspectors.
  • Change the air filter: The HVAC system’s air filter may have gathered debris and dust during winter. It’s a good idea to swap in a new one before you turn on your home’s A/C for the season and change it out regularly.


Tip: Although you may be able to perform some maintenance yourself, it may be a good idea to schedule a professional tune-up. They will be able to check your unit for any other potential problems and can help you with any needed repairs.

 

HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST


The winter season may have caused some wear and tear around the exterior of your home. Below are a few items you may want to inspect:


  • Siding: Take a walk around your house and look for any siding damage. Be sure to repair any pieces of siding that are extremely weathered or cracking. If you have painted wood siding, peeling or loose paint should be scraped off, sanded and repainted.
  • Windows: Check for peeling or cracked caulk around the seals and repair as necessary. Repair or replace any screens that have holes to help prevent bugs from entering your home, and ensure winter wind hasn’t loosened any screens from their fasteners.
  • Deck: Consider resealing your deck if it’s showing a lot of age — HomeAdvisor states that wood decks should be treated every six years at a minimum. You should also ensure there aren’t any deteriorating or loose boards.
  • Foundation: If you have a brick home, inspect the mortar and see if any cracks need to be repaired. If you have a basement, inspect the walls and floor for cracks or other damage. If you can fit a nickel into any cracks, you may want to have a professional inspect the area to determine if repairs are necessary.
  • Landscaping: Trim back shrubs and trees away from your home after winter has ended and throughout spring. This will help keep your home’s siding from getting scratched or damaged. It may also be a good idea to make sure landscaping is trimmed away from the home’s outdoor air conditioning unit as well, if you have one.


By setting aside time to get your home’s exterior ready for spring, you can ensure any potential issues following the winter season have been remedied — giving you more time to enjoy the new season ahead. Spring weather reminders


Prepare for outages: 


If power outages are common in your area, prepare an emergency kit and keep it in a central location in your home.


Basic supplies should include:

  1. Flashlight and fresh batteries,
  2. Battery or solar-powered weather radio and/or transistor radio,
  3. First aid supplies,
  4. Hand sanitizer or wipes, 
  5. Three-day supply of canned or dried food and water. For your family and pets.
  6. Prescription medications ready and available


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