Spring Seasonal Tips
Did you know maintaining your home goes beyond spring cleaning?
When winter departs, it’s time to check for damage and prepare your home for the hot weather ahead! As the days get longer, we are given a better opportunity to get outdoors, check for damage and even tackle some of those home projects you have been meaning to complete.
Here are some tips to consider for the spring season.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
After the last frost has come and gone, it is important to check the eaves troughs for debris, clean them, and perform any necessary repairs. A clogged eaves trough can cause wood trim to rot, inviting all kinds of crawling and walking critters into your roof space. Your gutters should be clean enough to allow rain and other water to flow freely throughout them. Also, make sure your downspouts haven’t moved over the winter and are channeling the water away from your home’s foundation walls. If you feel unsure about checking these items on your own, it may be best to hire a qualified contractor; always remember to put you and your family’s safety first.
Inspect Your Roof
Since winter storms can take quite a toll on your roof, when spring arrives, you should inspect its condition. Start by making a simple visual inspection from the ground. If needed, use binoculars, camera or smartphone with a telephoto feature to look for missing shingles, metal pipes that are damaged or missing, or anything that simply doesn’t look right. If you notice something that needs closer inspection or repair, call a roofer.
Replace filters
Check and replace all filters in your home including furnace, humidifier, air exchange, water and range hood filters. This should be done at a minimum every 3-6 months depending on the type of filter you have.
Washing machine hoses & vents
Washing hoses should be checked and replaced with steel braided hoses. Dryer vents may be clogged which can become a fire hazard. To protect yourself and your family, ensure this is cleaned out regularly.
Inspect Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps require annual maintenance at the very least. Depending on how often it is used, it may need more attention than that. Be careful: before doing anything with the sump pump, make sure you disconnect its power supply. Certain sump pumps need monthly cleaning and it is your responsibility to ensure it is fully operational including floats and switches.
Test Your Smoke detectors and Carbon monoxide detectors
Keep smoke alarms clean by regularly dusting or vacuuming them. Dust and grime may affect how they work. Ensure that you replace the batteries at least once a year and when the time comes replace a smoke alarm every 10 years or sooner if it is not operational.
Have a Fire Escape Plan
Be prepared in the event of a fire. Fire officials recommend practicing your escape plan at least twice a year as this will help prevent panic in the event of a real fire. Appoint someone to be a monitor and make sure everyone participates. While a fire drill is not a race, be sure to act as though it is real – get out quickly, but carefully.
Reseal Exterior Wood
Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures will last longer and stay in better condition if they are stained or resealed every one to two years. As the weather is not too hot yet, take this opportunity to make any needed repairs.
Remember, Drayden is always Here. For you. Ask your broker for a copy of our Personal Emergency Preparedness guide and if you have any questions or concerns with your policy, feel free to contact us.