Warmer weather is here, which means it’s time to tackle your home maintenance to-do list. Here are some items to cross off your list this spring:
Start from the top – literally
Clear your gutters of leaves and debris and get any damaged or loose shingles on your roof repaired.
If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between bricks or stones. Are any missing? Is there vegetation growing out of them? These are signs of water infiltration. Also, look for efflorescence, a white deposit that indicates your masonry joints are absorbing water.
Outdoor entertaining
Check your deck for splintered or loose boards and repair. Powerwash your patios and decks, and if you have a wood deck that’s faded or worn, clean, stain and reseal it.
Check grill hoses and clean the grill, and check the propane in your grills and outdoor heaters. For charcoal grillers, clean up any ash and grease residue.
Exterior
Check your exterior walls for damaged areas, water spots around eaves and gutters. Wash them and windows inside and out.
Check caulking and weather stripping around your windows and replace as needed. This will keep cool air from inside from escaping outside during hot summer months.
Interior
Now is a great time to clean those areas we often overlook. Vacuum and flip your mattresses and wash your mattress covers to alleviate dust and allergens. Dust tops of cabinets, chair rails, baseboards and ceiling fans. Have your drapes laundered and clean your blinds.
Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and change your HVAC filter. Check HVAC hose connections for leaks and make sure the drain pans are draining freely.
Fireplaces
HBAGC member John Fine of Fine’s Hearth and Patio has some excellent tips for fireplace owners.
“We suggest turning off the pilot light to lower gas consumption and reduce the need for a service call to clean the pilot.
“When a pilot is burning, it’s constantly drawing in room air and accumulating household dust, and if you leave the pilot light lit year-round, you’re adding unwanted heat to the home.
“We also suggest removing batteries from the remote control and receiver to prevent corrosion over time.
“For woodburning fireplaces, we suggest closing the damper to prevent the conditioned air in the home from escaping up the chimney. We also suggest removing all the unburned wood and ashes from the fireplace and having the chimney cleaned or inspected at the end of the burn season.
“Spring is also a great time to have your fireplace serviced so it will be ready for when old man winter comes back again.”
For a list of qualified professionals to help with your spring maintenance, visit our membership directory at www.HBAGC.net.