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March
4
4
The Only Spring Maintenance Checklist You May Ever Need
Spring is the perfect time to make sure your home is up to date on all its maintenance needs. Taking a few steps now could protect it from damage during future summer rains and winter storms. If you know which steps to prioritize, it can be fun, relaxing, and simple.
Let's review some of the most important things to take care of during spring maintenance.
Your Home's 2019 Spring Maintenance Checklist
For Inside Your Home
Be sure to perform a visual inspection on all the following items:
- Roof
Your roof is one of the most vital parts of your home, protecting everything else on and in it. You can inspect the roof from the ground with binoculars. Look for cracks in shingles, missing shingles, and any movement in them. Replacing problem shingles now can save trouble later. - Chimney
If you glimpse vegetation or missing material in your chimney, it's a sign you're suffering from water infiltration. White deposits on masonry suggest chimney joints are absorbing water. Re-seal masonry with a barrier material, brushing it on one small area at a time. - Exterior Walls
You can find trouble spots on exterior walls beneath your eaves and near gutter downspouts. Water stains may indicate that your gutters need cleaning or have been damaged. Look for openings, damage, or knots in wood siding – typically signs of a carpenter ant colony. - Windows
Air leakage around windows makes a home much less energy efficient. That means your electric bill could be far higher. Repair caulking and weather stripping to ensure a tighter seal around the window. In some cases, the glass may be warped and require replacement. - Foundations
Foundation woes can render a home uninhabitable over time. To get to the bottom of them – literally – look for masonry cracks from top to bottom. If you notice cracks, don't try to resolve them on your own: Only professional-grade two-stage epoxy can truly address this concern.
For Outside Your Home
- Air Conditioning
Changing your filter regularly facilitates better airflow throughout your home, so verify they're up to date now. Check the hose connection for any leaks and ensure drain pans drain freely. Remove dust and debris that may have settled on top or around the AC unit and its connectors. - Attics
Attics can have some different problems, some of them tough to notice at a glance. Investigate closely for signs of insect infestation. The most serious common problem for an attic is mold, which may appear as blotchy black or brown "staining." - Basements
Basements should have dry air. If you feel dampness, you likely have inadequate ventilation. One way to intervene quickly is by putting in a dehumidifier. Check at the bottom of basement corners to find cracks. Water penetration, if present, will be visible at the bottom of the cracks. - Leaks
Leaky faucets and pipes can cost you hundreds of dollars throughout a year. Now's the time to go through the whole basement area with a flashlight and check vulnerable spots under and around pipes. Inspect connections on pipes and hoses beneath your bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Counselor Realty Will Help You Find a Beautiful Minnesota Home This Spring
In the spring, summer, fall, or winter, owning a home is something truly special. With years of experience and expert advice at the ready, our real estate agents will support you in finding and closing on your Minnesota dream home. Contact us to find out more today.