Home Improvement Tips for Spring

Winter weather in New England can wreak havoc on our homes! After months of being hit with heavy snow and debris, the wear and tear on the exterior of your house becomes visible come springtime. When the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to get outside into the crisp spring air and perform a few home improvement projects! We list six maintenance tips to get you started.

Clean the Gutters

This is more than a fall maintenance job! Cleaning the gutters is also necessary in the spring after a long winter of wet snow and ice. Leaves and other debris could be frozen inside of the gutter and once it melts, cause moisture to leak into your home. Spring gutter cleaning also allows homeowners to see whether or not loose granules need replacing.

Check Outside Faucets

Many homeowners disconnect their hoses when the weather turns cold, but improper storage can also lead to cracking and other damage. Before you bring out the garden hose to water your lawn and plants, make sure that it has no leaks. Other pipes that may have been frozen during the winter months should be properly thawed or replaced if burst.

Inspect the A/C Unit

Although you may not run the air conditioner until late spring or early summer, it’s essential to have it inspected sooner rather than later. When issues are identified and addressed in the off season, homeowners avoid costly repairs down the road that could leave your family without A/C in the sweltering heat of summer.

Look for Roof Damage

Month after month of snow accumulation can take its toll on your roof. An important part of the structural integrity of your home, the roof should be regularly inspected for damage like loose or missing shingles. This type of destruction can lead to leaks that can, in turn, cause irreparable damage to the belongings inside your home.

Touch Up Paint

Spring is an ideal season for complete exterior paint jobs because of its fair weather conditions. However, if you only notice small areas of chipped or faded paint, a simple touch-up may suffice until it’s time for a full makeover. In either case, the surface should be pressure washed prior to painting to remove the buildup of any debris during winter.

Trim Overgrown Shrubbery

As a general rule of thumb for property owners, bushes and shrubs should be trimmed back about five to seven feet from the home. This distance helps prevent excess moisture that can cause rot to form on the exterior surface and keeps squirrels, raccoons and other animals from nesting inside your home.

For all your exterior and interior home improvement needs, from painting to wallpaper and pressure washing, contact our professional team at M. Brett Painting Company today!