Is your home ready for spring? Our team put together this handy checklist so you can make sure every part of your house is ready to face the rainy season:
8 Tips to Care for Your Home this Spring
Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your spring chore list. Keep these tips in mind as you care for the exterior of your home:
🔲 Pressure wash the driveway. If you have an asphalt or concrete driveway, this tip is for you. Snowmelt and residue from cars can leave your driveway looking a little worse for wear than it used to. If you spot stains, make sure all the liquid is dried up before attacking. You can use laundry detergent to scrub at the stains until they’re clear, but hard-to-remove stains from rust may require a professional touch. When you’re happy with the state of your driveway, take a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime.
🔲 Clean the deck. For a concrete patio, follow the same steps above to clean it. However, if your deck is made from wood, using a pressure washer can actually strip the paint from your deck, leaving it looking worse than when you started. If you need to clean your deck, simply use a stiff-bristled brush and some warm, soapy water to clear grime or dirt away. You can also apply a fresh coat of paint to add a pop of color to your home’s exterior.
🔲 Clean the gutters. Clearing the gutters of leaves, pine needles, mud, and other debris is an easy way to prevent future plumbing and drainage problems in and around your home. If you forget or opt to skip this step, you could find yourself dealing with flooding from blocked gutters. If you despise cleaning the gutters, consider looking into leaf-proof gutters to remove the problem altogether.
🔲 Check over the roof. While you’re already at the top of your house cleaning the gutters, it’s also a good idea to check over the state of your roof for any easy-to-spot signs of a problem. Keep an eye out for missing or balding shingles, standing water, and exposed flashing. Some roof damage may go unseen to the naked eye, so contact your local roofing contractors if you think you may have a leak or other major issue.
🔲 Clean the siding. Siding does more for your home than aesthetics! The siding on your home also protects it from the elements and water damage. Be cautious using a pressure washer to clean siding, as the high-powered water can increase any damage your siding may have sustained throughout the winter. If you see any issues with your siding, make a note to schedule repairs. Damaged siding can lead to mold and algae growth as well as rot if left untreated.
🔲 Clean the roof. Pressure washers are out for cleaning your roof! Like the siding of your home, highly pressurized water can exacerbate existing issues. Instead, get a bucket of warm, soapy water and a roof brush and start scrubbing! Cleaning your roof can help prevent algae, mold, and mildew growth.
🔲 Wash the windows. Windows looking dingy? Take this time to grab your Windex and a microfiber cloth and clean them off. To avoid streaky residue, use a squeegee to better remove all water spots and keep your view clear.
🔲 Tend to your yard. Caring for the landscaping of your home has a major effect on the overall aesthetic and look of your home. Rake away any debris and leaves that may have accumulated over the winter, and start planting your spring flower beds after the frost clears.
Great work! Your home hasn’t looked this good since you moved in. Remember: For all your roofing needs contact Fraser Roofing, LLC at (404) 341-7663!