7 Spring Home Maintenance Tips To Spruce Up Your Exterior

Updated:  April 5, 2021

As the signs of spring have us picturing the lazy days of summer ahead, homeowners should be preparing their spring home maintenance to-do lists. With longer days and warmer temperatures, it is the ideal time to tackle those spring home maintenance projects and look for any damage the harsh winter might have caused to your home’s exterior. Here are seven spring home maintenance tips to help get your exterior ready for the warmer weather.

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

1. Clean Your Gutters And Downspouts 

Clean-Gutters-And-Downspouts-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Weaver-ExteriorThis is one of those precarious jobs that can be easy to put on the back burner. However, once the threat of snow and frost is a distant memory, you really need to check your gutters and downspouts for damage, as well as debris. If you don’t maintain your gutters it can quickly lead to wood trim rot that in turn can result in leaks, not to mention potential invasion from local wildlife. The first sunny weekend you see, plan to clean your gutters and inspect your downspouts to make sure once those spring showers hit, the water is diverted safely away from your house.

This is also the best time of year to consider installing gutter guards. They protect your gutters from leaves and debris that can clog up your eavestrough and prevent proper flow. Not only do they prevent clogs, but also keep your gutters maintenance-free. You’ll no longer have to worry about cleaning your gutters in the spring and fall.

2. Roof Inspection

Inspect-The-Roof-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Tips-Weaver-BarrieAnother lofty task, a roof inspection is a must following the unforgiving ice and snow of the winter. Ice and snow can cause damage to roof tiles and the entire roofing system. A good starting point is to use binoculars to check your roof thoroughly from the ground. Look for signs of missing or damaged shingles, discolouration, and signs of damage to areas such as chimneys or pipes. If anything appears damaged, don’t try climbing on the roof yourself. Instead, call your local roofer to conduct a thorough inspection and recommend repairs or replacements as required.

3. Inspect And Reseal Woodwork

Inspect-And-Reseal-Woodwork-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Tips-Weaver-Exterior-RemodelingIf your home has wood trim around the doors and windows or elements of your roof system like fascia and soffits, it is always a good idea to reseal it each spring. This is a big job and can also be dangerous if you have to climb to the second floor. It might be time to consider having your wood trim, soffit and fascia replaced with a maintenance-free material such as aluminum or vinyl. This will provide a crisp new look to your trim and roof.

It lasts longer and requires zero maintenance. New soffit and fascia can also update your home, as it comes in a multitude of colours. The variety allows you to add contrast, or provide a more cohesive look to your exterior with a colour that blends well with your siding and roof.

4. Check And Repair Masonry

Check-And-Repair-Masonry-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Tips-Weaver-ExteriorIf your home is brick or has brick elements, you should inspect your masonry work for signs of loose bricks or cracks. This can allow moisture to seep into your home leading to all kinds of issues including mould and mildew growth. Mould is a health issue and can cause allergies and other symptoms that make your family sick. Key areas to check include the chimney, brick facades on your exterior walls, and the area around your foundation.

Any signs of wear should be repaired as soon as possible by a qualified masonry expert, including chimney restoration, brick and stone windowsill repair, damage from snowplows and shovels, concrete block repair, etc. This will ensure your home is sound and water-proofed against spring and summer storms. If your home is looking a little dated, you can also consider a makeover using an affordable stone veneer. This update can provide as much as a 95% ROI.

5. Check Your Siding

Check-For-Siding-Damage-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Tips-Weaver-ExteriorSiding lasts for decades but is still vulnerable to the ravages of winter. Look for signs of loose siding, cracks, peeling, and gaps. This type of damage makes your home vulnerable to leaks and pests. It might be time to consider having your siding replaced with new vinyl or aluminum siding to improve both the appearance and energy efficiency of your home. New siding is an excellent way to update your home and increase curb appeal. It is also one of the best returns on investment for home upgrades.  

6. Check Your Windows

Check-Windows-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Tips-Weaver-Exterior-RemodelingAs windows age, they become less energy efficient. Weather seals, caulking and the windows themselves are all prone to wear and tear. As well, even energy-efficient windows can show signs of aging within 10 years or so. If you noticed your windows had condensation throughout the winter, this is a sign you might need new windows. Also, check for signs of water damage, and hold your hand up to your windows to see if you feel any air movement. Telltale signs you need new windows include:

  • Wear and tear on your window frames
  • Broken or poorly functioning hardware
  • Frayed or damaged weather stripping
  • Cracked, loose or peeling caulking
  • Broken or cracked windowpanes
  • Draftiness
  • Noise levels from outside have increased
  • You have single-pane windows

If you notice any of these signs, you should call a window expert to give you a quote. New windows can see as much as 70% ROI.

7. Check Your Doors

Check-Entry-Doors-Spring-Home-Maintenance-Weaver-BarrieDoors are something many homeowners don’t give much thought to. However, not only do your entry doors help define the style of your home, but they also help keep your home energy efficient and secure. If you notice your doors don’t shut properly, let in drafts, allow light to stream in around the frame or beneath the door, or aren’t sitting in the frame properly, you might need new doors. New doors provide energy efficiency, keeping out extreme heat and cold.

They also will open and shut properly, while providing added security. A new entry door can provide as much as 70% ROI. And don’t inspect just your entry door. All doors including sliding patio doors contribute to your home’s security and energy efficiency. Don’t forget to look at your window and door screens as well. You want to know you can let in fresh air without letting in insects!

These spring home maintenance tips will have your home in tip-top shape for summer.

Spring-Home-Maintenance-To-Get-Ready-For-Summer-Weaver-ExteriorIf you are considering exterior home repairs or improvements click here to get a quote.

 

 


Tags

eavestroughs, energy efficient windows and doors, gutter guards, home maintenance, spring home maintenance


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