12 Mar Transitioning Your Home from Winter to Spring: 8 Key Home Maintenance Tasks

8 Key Home Maintenance Tasks

The transition from winter to spring is an exciting time in Southeast Michigan, signaling warmer weather and longer days ahead. It’s also an important seasonal checkpoint for home maintenance.

According to HomeAdvisor, spring is the peak season for home maintenance calls, with March and April averaging nearly 14 million service requests nationwide. This means so many homeowners are caught off guard by hidden winter damage as the thaw begins. And as it stands, a lack of preventive maintenance now can lead to huge headaches and costly repairs down the road. So, why not give your home some maintenance care to improve comfort and prevent expensive repairs?

In this article, we will uncover key home maintenance checklists to help you transition from winter to spring. Read on.

Why Consider Home Maintenance When Transitioning from Winter to Spring?

After months of cold temperatures, snow, ice, and freezing winds, your home in southeast Michigan has endured quite a beating. At this point, many building components may need care, from your roof to your foundation and everything in between.

Most importantly, ice dams, freezing pipes, heavy snow loads, and other winter hazards can cause hidden damage. Besides, heating systems have been running overtime. Not only that, but also the attics, basements, and crawl spaces have seen wide temperature swings that stress building materials.

Evidently, as things thaw out, underlying issues may emerge. For this reason, it is wise to thoroughly inspect and service key areas to uncover and address problems before they worsen. In this case, an ounce of prevention pays off regarding home maintenance.

8 Key Home Maintenance Tasks for the Spring Season

Now that you know why you need to consider home maintenance as winter relents and warmer weather returns, there are some important home maintenance jobs to take on. Some of these tasks include:

Checking Your Foundation and Basement

Over time, harsh freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation and basement. The best way to deal with this is by inspecting your homes interior and exterior foundation walls for any cracking or water intrusion. In case of any, repair the minor cracks with epoxy filler or urethane designed for foundations. However, if you find more extensive cracking or leakage, consult a professional Michigan foundation repair company. They can waterproof walls, shore up settling areas, and prevent further structural damage.

While you’re down there, check your basement floor and walls for dampness or flooding. In most cases, winter rains combined with snowmelt often overwhelm drainage systems. Make sure sump pumps are functioning properly to eject water before it enters your basement. Also, look for musty smells that signal excess moisture. Consider a dehumidifier to maintain safe humidity levels below 50 percent.

Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts

Spring’s heavy rains will be coming soon, so make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and can handle the runoff. To better handle this:

• Remove leaves and debris from the last fall.
• Flush gutters with water and use a stiff brush to dislodge caked-on dirt.
• Inspect fittings and seams for leaks or separation.
• Reattach any loose sections.

Also, make sure downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can overflow and cause moisture damage to exterior walls, fascia, and soffits. For this, ensure proper drainage to safeguard your roofing and siding while protecting your home’s structural integrity.

Servicing HVAC and Furnace

A well-maintained heating and cooling unit lowers power bills and keeps indoor air fresh and comfortable.  So, get your home’s HVAC system tuned up by a professional so it operates cleanly and efficiently through the coming cooling season. Replace air filters, clean intake vents, lubricate moving parts, tighten connections, test controls, and check refrigerant levels.

Similarly, have your gas or oil furnace inspected and serviced so it’s ready for next winter. Technicians check heat exchangers for cracks, replace filters, clean burners, test safety controls, and ensure a proper flame. With this, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your heating system won’t conk out when you need it most.

Servicing Water Heater and Inspect Roof

Don’t take hot water for granted. Have your water heater flushed to remove mineral deposits that build up over time. This improves efficiency and extends the unit’s service life. The technician can also check gas or electrical connections for safety.

Your roof’s protection is vital in shielding your home from the elements. For this reason, you have to closely inspect for any damage sustained over the winter. Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Repair or replace them to prevent leaks. Examine flashings around chimneys, vents and skylights for deterioration. In most cases, you may need to renew any sealants or dried and cracked caulk.

Checking Sump Pump

Basement flooding is a nightmare. Ensure your sump pump is ready for action before the spring rains arrive. To keep it at an optimal level:

• Test the float switch and listen for proper pump operation.
• Check the discharge line for blockages.
• Consider installing a backup battery model for protection during power outages.

Just a couple of inches of water can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. A properly functioning sump pump is your first line of defense.

Sealing Windows and Doors

Improve your home’s energy efficiency by sealing any air leaks around windows and doors. Feel for drafts and inspect the weather-stripping. Replace any that is cracked, compressed or missing. Caulk around frames to seal gaps. Consider storm windows and doors for older homes. Keeping the conditioned air inside saves energy and money while increasing comfort. Sealing windows and doors reduces pollen, dust and noise too.

Testing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Make home safety priorities this spring by testing all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries in battery-powered models. Units over 10 years old should be replaced completely. Also, ensure you have adequate coverage on each level of your home and in each bedroom.

Maintaining Lawn and Landscaping

Winter can leave your lawn and gardens looking drab and unkept. So, rake debris from beds and remove tree branches that fell over the winter. Also, mow the lawn weekly once growth resumes.

Sharpen blades for a clean cut and have the mower serviced. Overseed bare spots and re-edge flowerbeds. Prune shrubs and trees to remove dead wood and shape growth. Let the beauty of spring blossom through a little maintenance care for your landscape.

#1 Home-Based Services in Southeast Michigan

There you have it – winter’s wear and tear can take a toll on your home. Let SAS Home Services expertly evaluate and address any issues to keep your house in top shape this spring in southeast Michigan. Contact us today for maintenance services you can trust!