8 Tips For Spring Home Maintenance

Springtime doesn’t only mean warmer weather. It’s also the perfect opportunity to check off a to-do list of home maintenance items. Although your newly built home from SEDA New Homes may not need much attention now, regularly checking your home’s condition can help keep your home in great shape for years to come.

Regular preventative maintenance throughout your home can help you avoid costly and avoidable repairs in the future. A well-maintained home will also increase in value over time and not just monetarily as it becomes a source of pride and happiness for generations.

Here are some home maintenance tips you can knock out today, leaving you feeling accomplished and with plenty of time to enjoy the Florida sunshine:

1. Roofing, Gutters, and Downspouts

Start by visually inspecting the roof. Look for any missing or damaged shingles or tiles and replace these as quickly as possible. Also, look for any gaps in the roof flashing.

Also, check all gutters for any leaks and remove accumulated debris. Clear any blockages from downspouts and make sure they are draining away from your home’s foundation.

2. Exterior Siding and Finishes

Examine the exterior for any cracks, gaps, and missing caulking. Re-caulk as necessary with the necessary caulking compound for your exterior. Also, look for trouble spots like water stains that may indicate a leak that needs repair.

Pressure wash your siding to clean any accumulated dirt and prevent mold. Check wood surfaces for weathering, cracks, or paint failure. Sand, fill and repaint as necessary.

3. Foundation

Visually inspect your exterior foundation for any deterioration or large cracks in the concrete. Concrete is a porous material that will expand and contract. So, small hairline cracks are common and can be taken care of by cleaning and sealing the concrete with a concrete sealer.

If you have a crack or gap that is large enough to fit a nickel into, call a foundation expert.

4. Windows

Do a thorough inspection of all windows from the inside and outside. Check the window sills for cracks or separation in the caulking and re-caulk as necessary. Make sure the weatherstripping is also complete and intact.

Check the windows themselves, as well as the hardware, for smooth opening and closing operation. Clean all the tracks and, if needed, lubricate mechanisms and tracks using only a silicone spray.

Clean the inside and outside of the window glass with vinegar-based cleaner as well as any screens. Replace any damaged screens as needed.

5. Doors and Cabinets

Check all door hinges and hardware for any loose screws and hand tighten as necessary. Using only warm water and mild soap, wipe down all door hardware to remove environmental elements that can eat away at finishes.

Inspect the opening and closing of all bi-fold and by-pass doors and lubricate as necessary. Clean sliding door tracks and lubricate with only silicone spray.

Clean all cabinet doors using only warm water and mild soap. To extend the life of wood cabinets, apply a light coat of wax.

6. Air Conditioning System

Check any air filters and clean or replace them as necessary. All hose connections should be free of leaks and drain pains should be draining freely. Vacuum the air return registers and the air supply to clean any accumulated dust and debris.

It is also a good idea to have an HVAC specialist clean and service the outside unit, including the coils. This ensures your AC is running at peak efficiency for the upcoming warmer months.

7. Check For Leaks

Go throughout the house and check for any leaking faucets, drain pipes, water supply lines, valves, etc. Fix any leaks right away. Wetness, especially in closed areas, is a breeding ground for mold and should be caught as early as possible.

8. Landscape and Sprinklers

Cleaning and keeping up your landscape is an essential part of home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation or overgrown bushes. This ensures room around the entire foundation of your home for proper drainage and that nothing is cutting into the exterior finishes. Fill any low areas in the yard or next to your foundation with compacted soil to decrease yard flooding and ensure proper drainage.

Check the irrigation system for proper operation including sprinkler heads, valves, etc., and replace any broken or leaking pieces.

Fire up your lawn-maintenance equipment and ensure all blades are sharpened so you know they are in the best working order for spring and summer use.

Taking the time to do some spring maintenance in and around your home will ensure you are giving it the best chance to last you for generations to come. It will also save you costly repairs in the future.

Jacksonville’s Premier New Home Builder for Over 30 Years

As the largest locally owned home builder in Jacksonville, we take pride in every new home we build, striving to give our customers a smooth, stress-free home buying experience. Don’t forget that your SEDA home not only comes with warranties but also comes with an informative homeowner’s maintenance manual. The manual is packed full of everything you need to know to keep your home in top shape.