SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST PART TWO

Last week, we shared part one of this two-part series on spring home maintenance in order to protect your dream home.  Here are the last steps of exterior maintenance. Your New Echelon Home

1. Check irrigation and sprinkler systems. This step is necessary to save both your landscaping and water.  First, run a system sprinkler check by turning on each zone manually.  Next, inspect every sprinkler head to make sure that none of the heads are damaged or broken.  While the sprinklers are on, determine if any are spraying the house or windows.  If so, readjust the positioning of these heads to avoid causing any moisture issues.  You may notice some heads spraying into the driveway, sidewalk, street or even your porch.  Readjust those heads as well to avoid wasting water.  If you are short on time, do not hesitate to contact a sprinkler system professional to perform these tasks on your behalf.  The cost is worth the savings you’ll earn on your reduced water bill.  Bonus—minimizing water waste helps to protect this very valuable natural resource.

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​2. Ensure screens and windows are working properly. There is nothing better than a fresh, warm breeze on Southeast Michigan summer days, however screens with holes and tears are an invitation for insects.  Before you insert screens for the spring, check each one to see if there are any small holes or tears.  Should you encounter any, basic screen repair kits are available at most big box home improvement stores or your local hardware shop.  To keep water outdoors and cool air indoors, check your windows to see if they need to be sealed.  By simply re-caulking or applying weather sealing, you’ll save on energy costs and keep your family comfortable all summer long.
3. Perform routine AC unit maintenance. This is one task you may consider hiring out because it is somewhat technical and time consuming.  First, if you’re living in a newly constructed home, you can probably simply wash your AC unit’s filters instead of replacing them.  Next, clean the coils and remove any debris which may have blown in during the fall and winter months.  Check the drain line to make sure that it is not clogged.  Next, trim back any landscaping such as shrubs that may be too close to the unit.  Consider changing your furnace filter for the fall as well to save time later.
4. Inspect your roof.  Your home’s first line of defense against Mother Nature is your roof, regardless of what kind you have.  Experts recommend hiring a professional because climbing up onto your roof can be dangerous, however if you are comfortable, go ahead.  Look to see if any of the shingles are broken, missing or curling.  Also, if you have ugly black streaks which commonly appear on asphalt shingles, those must be addressed immediately because the stains are evidence of algae which feeds on the shingles’ limestone filler.  Basically, the algae eats your roof and spreads quickly as wind gusts blow it to your neighbors’ roofs.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow