Spring is here, despite the cold weather we’ve been having in Edmonton, and there are a few things you can do to get your home ready for the warmer months! To help simplify things, we gathered a list of the most important home maintenance tips that you can integrate this spring.
You can start by checking your exterior paint. It’s easy to forget about the outside of your house, especially when you’re busy with all of the other projects going on inside. But don’t neglect your exterior paint – it’s one of the most important parts of your home’s appearance! If it’s been a while since you’ve checked your paint, take a few minutes to do so now.
Secondly, check your gutters and look for any leaks in them. Overtime, gutters start filling up with leaves and debris. This extra weight can cause your gutters to leak. Not only do they let water escape, but they can also form puddles around your foundation, which can lead to leaks in your basement or crawlspace. To check for leaks in your gutters, look for cracks or gaps & if you see any, seal them with caulk or tape.
Another important item to check is the fire extinguisher. Liquid pooling around the base of the extinguisher indicates leaks & means it’s time to be replaced. Also check the pressure gauge to make sure that the needle is in the green zone. The extinguisher may not work properly when used if it’s not! Finally, take a look at the nozzle to ensure that it’s clear of debris.
Next, you should inspect your bathroom and kitchen caulking. Over time, caulking can degrade, allowing water to seep through. As a result, it is important to inspect caulking regularly. Start by visually inspecting the area around sinks, showers, and bathtubs for any gaps or cracks. Then, use your finger to feel for any leaks. If you find any leaks, be sure to clean the area well before applying new caulk.
While you are checking the caulking inside your kitchen, you can also clean your kitchen exhaust hood. Leaks and gutters in kitchen exhaust hoods can quickly become clogged with grease and dirt, making it difficult to remove all the build-up. The best way to clean the hood is to first remove the leaks and gutters. This will allow you to access all the areas where dirt and grease hide. Next, use a degreaser to break down any stubborn build-up. You can use a scrub brush to remove any remaining residue.
Overall, there are many ways to prepare your home for the warmer months, both indoors and outdoors. You can begin by checking the quality and appearance of your exterior paint. From there, check the gutters for any leaves or debris that may cause leaks. Next you should examine your fire extinguisher, if you have one. It will need to be replaced if there are any leaks! You can then move inside and inspect the caulking in your bathroom and kitchen. Lastly, your kitchen exhaust hood can get clogged overtime with grease and dirt, so by removing the gutters, you’re able to give it a better clean. The areas included in our spring home maintenance list are important to check in on; they help keep your house looking sharp while maintaining safety. We hope these spring home maintenance tips help and remind you of how you can get your home to sparkle, once all the snow melts, of course.