5 Essential Maintenance Tasks You Can DIY This Spring

by Julian Lane www.thefixitchamp.com

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The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which can only mean one thing for homeowners: it’s time for some post-winter maintenance. Winter can really take a toll on the outside of your home, especially if your area is prone to snow, ice, and other winter weather. So, before you can start enjoying more sunshine and spring days at home, you need to make sure you check off these essential yard- and home-maintenance items.
 
Trim Tree Branches and Tidy Up Yards
 
Your yard is the first thing folks see when they are looking at your home, so if yours is looking a little rough after winter, set aside a weekend to clean it up. You can start by taking a walk around your yard and seeing what needs some attention. Be sure to check any trees or bushes for dead branches, which can fall and damage property or injure individuals. If you can easily reach these branches, you can remove them on your own. If not, you may need to find a tree expert who can get rid of dead or unhealthy tree branches for you without risking your safety.
 
Upgrade Security Systems for Summer
 
If you plan on taking a family vacation during spring break or summer, now is a good time to think about upgrading your home security. Would-be criminals tend to target homes while families are out of town but you can take a few simple steps to reduce the risk of your house broken into this spring or summer. If you have a security system, be sure to put up signage that lets people know your home is protected. You can also use smart locks and automated lighting to make your home look occupied even while you are away. Looking to improve your landscaping? Then you can also consider adding protective plants to safeguard your home.
 
Disinfect Any Outdoor Furniture and Toys
 
Before you start getting outside for family cookouts and playtime, you need to make sure your loved ones are protected from germs, mold, and bacteria. During the wetter winter months, everything from patio furniture to playground equipment can turn into a breeding ground for these harmful pathogens, especially as the temperatures warm up. So, use a stiff brush and effective cleaning products to get these items nice and clean. Quality bleach products tend to be the best bet for eliminating grime from hard surfaces, so consider picking up the appropriate cleaning products to protect your family from germs on toys, furniture, and tools.
 
Check for Loose Board on Patios and Fences
 
Winds and other winter weather can also do a number on your fences and patios, so you should check these areas for loose boards before you begin using them in spring. If you find any boards that seem loose or that need to be replaced, know that this can be a simple DIY fix. You will just need a quality hammer, some nails, and perhaps pieces of wood, and you should have all you need to patch your patios and fences right up. For fences or patios that are worn or faded after winter wraps up, you can also easily re-stain wood surfaces on your own.
 
Get a Ladder and Get All Gutters Cleaned Out
 
Cleaning out gutters is never a fun job, but it is necessary if you want to keep your home protected through the spring and summer. Leaves and other debris can get trapped in your gutters during fall and winter, which can make it difficult or impossible for stormwater to drain properly. That can spell disaster once those April showers begin to roll in, with a risk for damages to your roof, your siding, or other structural elements of your home. So, get out your ladder, your hose, and a few other basic tools and get those gutters cleared out. Need to reach those high places? Then you should also consider investing in a safe and quality ladder.
 
Proper maintenance is the most effective way to protect your home from needing serious repairs. So, spend some time cleaning up your yard and inspecting the outside of your home.
 
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