Spring is here and you know what that means: it’s time to do a deep clean and inspection of your exteriors. Many homeowners neglect this important task once the mild weather hits, but checking out the condition of your exteriors, from roofs to siding, will prolong their lifespan and protect your investment.

Here are some essential exterior maintenance tips to consider this spring.

6 Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance Tips

It can be very satisfying to cross off items on your spring to-do list, so start as early as possible and you will be able to enjoy the rest of the season with peace of mind.

1.     Clear the Roof and Gutters

Winter can wreak havoc on your roof and gutters. Your gutters are likely filled with debris, and they could be cracked or pulling away from the house. This can cause exterior damage to the roof and siding, plus it can encourage the growth of mold or infestation of pests. Your roof may have taken a beating from winter, too, with fallen branches and debris.

If you don’t feel comfortable breaking out the ladder to check your roof or clean out your gutters, call in a professional for safety. One thing you can do is make sure your downspouts are properly positioned to direct the flow of rainwater away from your foundation.

2.     Inspect the Foundation

Speaking of the foundation, don’t neglect inspecting this vital component of your home. Snow melt and rainwater are typically heavy in spring, which can pool around your foundation and leak into your basement. This water can also cause tiny cracks in your foundation, so be on the lookout for those. Seal all cracks or call a contractor. Look for signs of soil erosion as well.

3.     Reseal Woodwork

Inspect your wood decks, wood trim and other wood structures to check for warping, staining or discoloration. If you do spot these concerns, the wood seal has likely worn off and you will have to reseal to protect the material from another year of heavy use. Not sure if you need to reseal? Pour some water on the deck and if it beads up, you will know that the seal is still intact. If it doesn’t, you should reseal it this spring. Give it a soft wash or pressure wash on a low setting before sealing.

4.     Check Hardscaped Material

Concrete, asphalt, stones, and other hardscaped materials can fall victim to the freeze and thaw cycles of winter. Cracks can form that allow water to seep in. Take a walk around your home’s exterior to check the state of your driveway, walkway, and hardscaped materials that comprise your landscape and yard. Patch any cracks you see or call in a pro.

5.     Test the Irrigation System

Your irrigation system has been trapped in the frozen ground all winter, which can take a toll on the pipes that give life to your lush lawn in summer. Test run the irrigation system to ensure it is working properly and inspect each sprinkler head for proper flow and position. Next, check all outdoor faucets and connect the hoses for spring.

6.     Check Siding For Damage

Take a close look at the vinyl siding around your house, looking for warped areas, dents, cracks, or missing panels. Consider a pressure wash if you spot areas of grime and mildew. If you have wood siding, check for chipped or stripped paint.

Take advantage of the warm weather of spring to inspect your exteriors for damage and give them a good cleaning.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows and Siding

If you have detected any issues that need fixing or replacing as part of your exterior spring cleaning, contact us at 800-851-0900. We offer repair and replacement of anything from windows and doors to siding and roofing.