As the remnants of winter are slowly being swept away, the temperatures are rising, winter boots are making their way down to storage, sandals of all styles are lining closets everywhere and the shining sun is making for longer days of outdoor fun and play. Spring is here and in full force, which means it is time to get outside and take inventory of what old man winter has left for you to touch up or repair, to ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the beautiful seasons ahead. Before you unpack all your gardening tools and dump mounds of soil onto your front lawn, make sure to do a walkaround inspection of your home and address any lingering maintenance issues that arise. Here is a list of items to help you check off all the points necessary for your spring outdoor home maintenance checklist:

Driveways and Walkways

If anyone has ever taken a drive in early spring when the snow melts away, the potholes that line the streets are your biggest fear. Freezing and thawing can take a toll on concrete, causing unrelenting seasonal damage. Be sure to check your driveways and walkways and note any breakage or holes that may have occurred as a result of winter conditions. If the damage is minor, you may be able to add this to your spring DIY list; if you do not have the tools or time to do this repair, you may need to call in the experts to seal it up again.

Air Conditioners

Air Conditioners are great for providing us with cool, temperature controlled environments throughout hot and humid summers. The problem is, without proper care our air conditioners might not be working as efficiently as they should be. It is important to have your filters changed once a year, and even call in a specialist if you have any concerns, to ensure your system is performing at its best.

Outside Screens

Winter storms can do a lot of damage to the exterior of a home. To ensure your screen doors and windows are up to par, check them carefully to ensure there are no rips, tears or holes in the material. You may need to do some patchwork or replacing to make sure your screens are in good working condition, keeping the bugs out, and the breeze flowing all summer long.

Gutters and Downspouts

Just because you cleaned your gutters at the end of fall, does not mean they can be skipped on your spring maintenance checklist! It is important to regularly check and clear your gutters to ensure they are free of leaves and debris, as clogged gutters can be the cause of rotting at the trim if not properly cared for.

 

Outdoor Aesthetics

Now that old man winter has come and gone, it is the perfect time to put a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home, or reseal your deck or fences to preserve longevity and keep the curb appeal of your home on it’s A-game all year-round.

 

Roof

Take a visual of your roof, without putting yourself in any danger. If you see any missing shingles or something that might need a closer inspection, call your friendly neighbourhood roofer to get the job done.

As homeowners, we take pride in our investments and want to do everything we can to maintain them to the best of our ability. While we may not spend much time in our driveways staring up at our houses, the exterior is still just as important as the interior. By checking these items each spring, we can stay ahead of any potential issues before they become too problematic; these proactive measures will help to ensure our homes look their best year-round while potentially saving us from burning through our savings in the near future.