Spring Cleaning Home Maintenance
Spring is right around the corner here in South Jersey. With the mild winter we’ve had, it almost feels like it already is spring. With that being said, this means that the time for spring home maintenance is approaching as well. Throughout the winter there may have been issues that you weren’t able to assess because of the cold. Both the interior and exterior of your home are going to need some serious sprucing up. Aside from your usual routine of cleaning and reorganizing, some areas may need a little more help than others.
Interior Maintenance
Declutter: A general purge of unnecessary clutter is the perfect way to kickstart your spring home maintenance process. When all the clutter is out of the way, you get a chance to see what really needs to be done. A lot of clutter tends to hide certain things that may need to be cleaned. It definitely makes cleaning a lot more difficult as well when you have so much stuff to get around.
Attic: Your attic may be experiencing some pent up moisture that needs to be addressed. As the weather begins to get warmer, you want to ensure that your attic is properly ventilated and free of clutter. Ensure that there are no signs of moisture damage or indicators of mold growth in your attic.
Basement: Similarly to your attic, you want to ensure that your basement is free of signs of moisture damage and potential mold development. Basements tend to be more cold, dark, and damp than other areas of the home. When it comes to spring home maintenance, your basement should not be overlooked.
Windows & Doors: Check your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps that may have occurred. These cracks and gaps are most noticeable when temperatures begin changing, like the transition from winter to spring. Cracks and gaps in your windows and doors’ weather stripping or caulk allows your home’s conditioned air to escape. This can cause your energy usage to skyrocket without you even knowing.
HVAC: Seasonal HVAC tune ups are important during spring home maintenance specifically. This is because your HVAC systems get the most use during summer and winter, and spring is wedged right in between. So before summer arrives, ensure that your system is clean and has a fresh filter. Take care of any repairs that may be needed to keep it running smoothly for the next few months.
Exterior Maintenance
Roof: As part of your home’s exterior spring home maintenance, check the status of your roof. Make sure that your roof is not experiencing any soft spots, leaks, or damaged shingles. This will not only protect the exterior of your home but it will add security to your attic as well.
Gutters & Downspouts: Clear your gutters and downspouts of any debris, ensuring that there are no blockages. Blockages can lead to water buildup in gutters, creating the potential for water damage and even mold on your roof. Downspouts should be directing water away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling around your home.
Lawn: An unkempt lawn can cause a lot of issues for homeowners during spring home maintenance. Rake any dead leaves that may be leftover from the winter, as well as any other debris. Not only is it unsightly to have an unkempt lawn, it can also cause issues for your home. Debris left on the lawn can cause unnecessary moisture buildup, and can attract more insects than usual.
Foundation: Check the foundation of your home for any cracks or other signs of damage. To avoid moisture seepage and potential mold development, repair any and all cracks as soon as possible.
Make Spring Home Maintenance Easier
With so many different tasks to get done, the prospect of spring home maintenance can seem daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be so intimidating. To make things a little easier, try to break things up over the course of a few days. You don’t have to do everything all at once, just make sure that everything gets done in a timely fashion. After all, spring is a time to enjoy the nice weather and celebrate that winter is over. Don’t stress yourself too much. However, if you notice any signs of severe damage to your home such as mold or moisture damage, a professional should be contacted hastily. A mold and water damage company in your area will be happy to resolve any issues your home could be experiencing.