According to the calendar, it's officially spring, and if we're lucky, the weather will agree. Just as it's important to prepare your home for the cold winter months, it's now time to get it ready for the warmer weather that's coming.
Both inside and out, there are several parts of your home that are either used less or put on ice entirely over the course of the winter. Others, such as the exterior of your home, may have taken a beating from winter's snow and ice. Here are a few things to look for as you inspect your home's exterior to prep for the coming season:
- Walk around your home, examining caulking around windows and doors. Replace any dry or cracked caulking.
- Open windows and doors to check the weather stripping and replace it as needed.
- Inspect your roof for loose, broken or missing shingles.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Look for cracks or other damage in your foundation and paved or concrete surfaces.
- If you have a deck, check the wood for stains, discoloration, warping or other damage. Also check railings and stairs to make sure they're secure and repair any damage. Then clean the deck thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew, fungus stains and gray surface wood with a pressure washer.
- Remove and clean window screens with mild soap and a soft brush.
- Replace old or cracked garden hoses.
- Rake or remove leaves, tree limbs and other debris from walkways, garden beds and sidewalks.
- Plan your spring landscaping and/or planting and lawn care.
- Pressure-wash paved and/or concrete areas, vinyl siding, brick walls and vertical surfaces on your home if necessary.
- Dig out those garden tools you stored over the winter. Once the snow is gone, take a hoe to your garden soil to churn and loosen it, and mix in compost for more nutrients.
Now is the time to get started on this list so you'll be ready to enjoy the great outdoors once the warmer temperatures (finally) arrive.
