Winter Home Maintenance: What to Check Before Spring Arrives

As winter begins to wind down, it's the perfect time to tackle some essential home maintenance tasks to prepare for the warmer months ahead. Late winter is an ideal time to inspect, repair, and prepare your home for the transition to spring. Here's a helpful checklist to ensure your home is in top shape before the snow melts and spring showers arrive.

Inspect Your Gutters and Downspouts

Heavy snow, ice, and winter debris can clog your gutters, leading to water damage when the spring thaw begins. Take the time to:

• Clear any remaining leaves or ice buildup.
• Check for sagging or loose sections and secure them.
• Ensure downspouts direct water at least 3-5 feet away from your foundation to prevent basement flooding.

Check Your Roof for Damage

Winter storms can take a toll on your roof. Before spring rain arrives, inspect your roof for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
• Ice dam damage that may have loosened roofing materials.
• Leaks or water stains in your attic that could indicate issues.

Inspect Your HVAC System

Your heating system has been working hard all winter, and your cooling system will soon take over. Now is the time to:

• Replace air filters in your furnace and air conditioning system.
• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and tune-up.
• Clean air vents and registers to improve airflow.

Seal Drafts and Check Insulation

Prevent energy waste and high utility bills by sealing any drafts and checking your home's insulation:

• Inspect windows and doors for cracks or gaps and apply weatherstripping as needed.
• Check attic insulation for signs of wear or compression.
• Use caulk or expanding foam to seal any small openings around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets.

Check Exterior Walkways and Driveways

Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can create cracks or damage to concrete and asphalt surfaces. Inspect your:

• Driveway and sidewalks for new cracks or uneven surfaces.
• Patio and decks for loose boards, railings, or shifting due to frost heave.
• Steps and handrails for stability and safety.

Get Your Lawn and Garden Ready

A little preparation now can give your lawn and garden a head start on spring growth:

• Clean up any fallen branches and debris from your yard.
• Sharpen and inspect lawn tools, including your mower blades.
• Start planning your garden and consider early seed planting indoors.

Test Your Sump Pump and Check Your Basement

Springtime melting and heavy rains can put extra strain on your sump pump. Ensure your basement stays dry by:

• Testing your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and verifying it activates properly.
• Checking for musty odors or signs of moisture buildup in your basement.
• Making sure your foundation has no visible cracks that could allow water seepage.

Inspect Plumbing and Prevent Frozen Pipe Damage

Winter can be tough on pipes, so inspect your plumbing for any issues before warmer weather arrives:

• Check for leaks in exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space, or under sinks.
• Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses to ensure they weren't damaged by freezing temperatures.
• Make sure your water heater is functioning efficiently before the season changes.

Deep Clean Your Home

Late winter is a great time to start spring cleaning to freshen up your home:

• Dust ceiling fans, light fixtures, and air vents.
• Wash windows and check screens for tears or holes.
• Declutter storage areas like the garage, basement, or attic.

Prepare Your Home for Spring with Baker's Ace Hardware

By taking care of these essential home maintenance tasks now, you'll be ready to welcome spring with fewer worries and unexpected repairs. Whether you need tools, supplies, or expert advice, Baker's Ace Hardware in Monroe, MI, has everything you need to keep your home in top condition year-round. Stop by or give us a call--we're here to help with all your home care needs!