Home Maintenance Tips for Spring!
With the final weeks of Winter approaching, it is time to think about what we need to do to prepare our homes in Kansas City for the Spring. If you have already been given a honey-do list from your better half or are just starting to compile a list, The Gamble Group has you covered with the best tips.
1. Check those gutters!
- A 20-foot gutter can weigh up to 300 lbs. after a harsh Winter. Most gutters and downspouts are clogged with more ice, leaves, and debris than people realize. Gutters are designed to shield your roof and home from water, but when they are filled with debris, limbs, ice, etc. they are unable to do their job properly. Getting ahead of this can prevent wet basements, washed out landscapes, and wood rot.
2. Wood rot is real!
- Examine the doors, railings, decks, and windows. You can do this by using a screwdriver or flat Iron to probe around the wood trim. Do you feel a soft spot? That is the first sign of wood rot. It is imperative that you make repairs as soon as possible before the Spring rain creates more damage. You'll want to address the small problems now before they turn into larger ones.
3. Outside preparations are no small feat!
- Inspect window and door screens for damage and replace if necessary.
- Check wooden window and door frames for cracks, gaps, and potential wood rot. Making sure these are in proper working order prevents heat and cool air loss, not to mention rainwater damage.
- Examine siding for any cracked, weathered, or chipped paint. Paint is the first line of defense from the elements and when it starts to go that can lead to wood rot and cost you more in the long run. Springtime is the best time to repaint your home!
- Remove the leftover firewood that's stored near your home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet from your home. Should you ask why? It is because the nastiness of Winter stays on the wood and over time it will begin to rot away wooden panels. Even the siding can get mold inside of it from the wood being left out.
4. Indoor preparations are just as important!
- Let's talk about smoke alarms! Checking your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is fast and simple, but something we look right past in our busy lives. You should test them once a month and replace the batteries once every 6 months.
- Clean out your dryer vents! While we hope you clean out the lint trap in the dryer regularly it is imperative to clean the whole dryer vent to avoid a fire hazard. Once or twice a year, disconnect the dryer, vacuum and brush out the vent, then reconnect it.
- Replace filters! Something we forget all the time is replacing our water, furnace, and range hood filters. If you're not sure how to replace these filters, you can research a solution online or hire a professional. Feel free to reach out to us as we have a trusted list of vendors, we can connect you with.
- Check pipes for leaks! Several days this winter Kansas City was plagued with temperatures below 0 degrees. Pipes can freeze during the Winter, so if you can easily see them, look for any leaks or cracks before you pressurize them in the Spring.
5. The dreaded springtime cleaning!
- Wash interior and exterior windows. Don't you want to look outside and enjoy the blossoming flowers, green grass, and sunshine come Spring? Cleaning those windows will make that much easier. If you have hard to reach windows or feel unsafe cleaning them, please reach out to us so we can connect you with a vendor we trust.
- Chimney cleaning is vital before Spring arrives. Sweep out your chimney flue and have it cleaned so it is prepped for next season. We recommend hiring a professional to clean your chimney and to eliminate the research process we have vetted professionals we can refer you to.
- Declutter! If you organize in the coming months, you will have less to move, carry, and have fewer items collecting dust. With everything in its designated place, cleaning will be a breeze.
