5 Spring Home Maintenance Tips to Keep You Safe

When spring has sprung here in Wisconsin, many of us get excited to get outside, enjoy the weather, and update our yard and home exterior. If you’re ready to tackle your spring to-do list, now is the perfect time, but remember that a few areas can be tricky.

At Weather Tight, we specialize in home improvement replacement products to keep your home in Southeastern Wisconsin looking tip-top. Sometimes, though, you may need to do some spring maintenance to prepare your home for warmer weather. Here’s how to keep your house safe (and when it’s a good time to call the experts).

1. Cleaning Your Gutters

Cleaning and flushing out your gutters is one of those high-priority items on your spring home maintenance checklist. It’s a task most homeowners can tackle on their own, with a few precautions. It’s important to approach the job with safety in mind. Gutters prevent water damage and ice buildup in the winter months and allow water to flow safely away from your windows and foundation in the warmer months. 

To access gutters, you will most likely need to get a ladder. Follow ladder safety rules—make sure it’s steady, safe, and always used with a buddy to spot you just in case. Wear gloves to remove any debris by hand. Use a hose to wash out the gutter and move out any of the smaller stuff that often gets left behind. Remember that this isn’t a job for one person. Always use the buddy system to stay safe.

If your gutters look less-than-optimal and show signs of aging, leaking, or damage, it may be time to replace them. Reach out to Weather Tight to learn how new gutters can be an affordable update to make life easier (and protect your home from further weather damage).

2. Examine Roof Shingles

Wisconsin is known for some of the harshest winters around. When we think of doing spring home maintenance, we want to remember to check out the roof and the foundation of the house.

Check for cracks or damage in your home’s foundation—make sure nothing has buckled or cracked with the temperature fluctuations and moisture. Note any spots on the roof that might look discolored or damaged. Pay attention to missing shingles and make sure that spring rains don’t bring leaks. 

Check your downspouts and gutters for roofing run-off and debris. It’s a sign that your shingles have seen better days. If you suspect your roof is past its prime, reach out to Weather Tight to have an expert come out and take a closer look.

3. Check the Operation of Windows & Screens

There’s nothing quite like that first spring breeze to really air out the winter doldrums. Open up those windows and let the fresh air inside!

As you open and close your windows, pay attention to the operation. Windows should be easy to open and close securely and safely. You should also look around the window for signs of damage like wood rot, mold, and mildew.

If your windows show signs of damage, like fogginess between glass panes or rattling noises, it’s probably time to explore window replacement. New windows can help you lighten and brighten your home, lower your energy bills, stop air infiltration, and give your home a big facelift. Reach out to Weather Tight today to explore your window options.

4. Test Smoke Alarms & CO Detectors

Fire safety is crucial for protecting your home and family. One of the most important ways to keep your home safe is to make sure your CO and smoke detector are in good working order.

Go around to any devices in your house and test the batteries. If it’s been awhile, it’s best to change out those older batteries with new ones. Check older units in your home to make sure that they haven’t exceeded their factory shelf life. Most fire extinguishers and detectors include an expiration date.

Over years of use, detectors age and become less efficient. Checking and updating your devices is a simple, inexpensive way to prevent the worst from happening.

5. Check out Filters and Vents

The filters in your home make a huge difference in air quality. After working all winter to filter indoor air, it’s best to change out the filters on your air conditioner, water, and range/stove hood vents.

Maintain the filters and keep them at their best by cleaning or replacing them every 3-6 months (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.

While you’re at it, be sure to check your dryer vent and lint trap as well. These vents become clogged with debris and can present a real fire hazard. To clean, disconnect the vent at the back of the unit and use a vent brush to remove all lint. Be sure to clean the vent from the exterior of your home as well. Make sure the cover flaps move freely after cleaning.

Stay Safe in the Spring and Summer

We hope that this list of spring exterior updates gives you that extra push to spruce up for warm weather. It’s a good idea to do regular maintenance as part of your spring cleaning.

As you’re performing your spring exterior maintenance, be sure to assess any areas of your home that might require updating or replacement. If you find any major problems, Weather Tight is here to help year-round with all your home exterior needs.

When the snow melts and we come out of our long winter slumber, go into summer with a home that feels refreshed, beautiful, and ready for all types of weather. Routine maintenance is the perfect opportunity for enjoying the warmer spring weather and getting a head start on any necessary repairs to your home.