1. Examine your roof for winter damage
Carefully climbing up a sturdy ladder, scrutinize your roof for any worrisome leaks, cracks or holes opened up from the freezing temperatures. Be sure to wipe away any green algae or moss that may have cropped up over the winter months. They can harm shingles if left alone. If roof access seems unsafe, hire a trained professional to inspect and make repairs. That said, safety should be your top priority.
2. Assess outdoor plumbing and pipes
As an initial step, walk around your property and thoroughly check any outdoor faucets or exposed water lines for leakage, cracks or burst sections. The expansion and contraction from freezing can certainly do some damage. Replace any compromised fixtures or pipes you find to keep your outdoor water system working properly. Also, peek at your external HVAC equipment and generators to ensure icy conditions didn’t interrupt any connections.
3. Clean gutters thoroughly
Clogged gutters can cause all sorts of foundation issues if left to their own devices. So for this important task, grab a sturdy ladder once more and remove any built-up debris like dead leaves or sticks. You'll be glad you did since allowing rainwater to freely flow through clean gutters keeps basement flooding and exterior wall damage at bay.
4. Purify internal ducts and vents
To promote healthy indoor air quality going into spring and summer, thoroughly clean all air ducts and vents throughout your home. All the closed up windows and doors during winter inevitably allowed dust buildup. If the task seems too large, consider hiring professional air duct cleaners to help remove those pesky allergens and refresh your home's airflow. Afterall, you deserve to breathe easy.
5. Complete top-to-bottom house cleaning
Now is the perfect opportunity to roll up those sleeves and dive into a deep house cleaning. Wash those fingerprints off walls, streaks off windows, dust off baseboards and debris from inside appliances. It's also a great chance to declutter items you no longer need or use. To cap it off, introduce some new green houseplants like succulents or snake plants to naturally filter and freshen the indoor air.
6. Evaluate windows and doors
Methodically examine all doors and windows for any damage the bitter cold may have caused on frames, seals or glass panes. Make all necessary repairs or replacements so openings close tightly and securely without gaps or holes. This keeps out those early spring insects and allows for energy efficiency once the air conditioner kicks on.
8. Restore outdoor deck
As a final flourish, assess the status of your outdoor deck. Replace any weather-worn boards, loose nails or unstable posts. Apply a fresh coat of stain if needed. And why not spruce it up with fun decor additions like sun catchers, lanterns or brightly patterned throw pillows so you have a relaxing oasis to enjoy your morning coffee as warmer weather returns?
