Spring Property Maintenance Tips

This is the season to get your yard in shape, fix winter damage, and tackle interior jobs that require good ventilation.

Foundation, Masonry & Exterior Surfaces

Check foundation walls, floors, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration. Repair problems.
Check chimney for loose, deteriorated or missing mortar. Repair problems.
Check grading for proper slope away from foundation walls. Build up soil wherever needed.
Check all wood surfaces-especially at the soil level-for weathering, peeling paint or dry rot. Fix now or this summer.
Check deck, patio, porch, and exterior stairs and railings for deterioration or damage. Repair now or this summer.
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts. Repair any leaks.

Check for any missing, loose or damaged shingles. Have these replaced.
Check for open seams, blisters or bald areas on flat roofs. Have these fixed.
Check flashing around all surface projections and sidewalls.
Check antenna supports for possible leak sources.
Check fascia and soffits for deterioration and damage.
Check roof louvers for damage or plugging (birds nests, etc.)
If ice dams were a problem last winter, have your attic properly insulated and ventilated.

Repair or replace torn screens or broken windows. Replace broken sash ropes or hold-open devices.
Check basement and crawl space for moisture or leaking water. Take care of all moisture problems.
Check your home's cooling system before hot weather arrives.
Open vents in crawl space and vent crawl spaces in basements.
Once windows can be opened, do any interior painting, varnishing or other projects where odor can be a problem.
Check your smoke detector when you change clocks ahead.
Take note of slow drains or back-ups. If needed, have sewer pipes cleaned before a really big back-up occurs.

Spring is planting season, and a great time to clean up the yard from the winter.

Plant trees, shrubs, flowers and/or vegetables.
Plant grass seed in bare patches.
Apply pre-emergent weed preventer, if needed. Fertilize lawn, if needed.
Remove left-over fallen leaves, dead plants and lawn debris. Trim shrubs that brush against the house.
Unless trees are storm damaged, hold off tree trimming until autumn or winter when it's healthier to prune trees.