Spring Is Coming: Time to Refresh and Protect Your Home
Judie Docs, Executive Officer – CSP, MCSP, CGP, CMP, MIRM
North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA) www.ncbia.com
Spring is just around the corner, and if the winter blues have you longing for warmer days, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the season ahead. Inspecting and cleaning your home during these transitional months can make future repairs easier to manage and help protect your investment.
By dedicating just a few days to completing these simple maintenance tasks, you can keep your home running smoothly. Here are five ideas to help spruce up your home for spring.
Refresh Your Windows
As the weather warms, ensuring your windows are in good working condition is important. Start by inspecting all windows to make sure they open and close properly and fit tightly in their frames. Clean the window tracks and gently wash screens with soapy water. Also check the weather strip to make sure it has not cracked or torn. Proper sealing helps prevent outside air from leaking into your home and can reduce energy costs.
Schedule an Air Conditioning Tune-Up
Have your air conditioning system inspected and cleaned before the hot weather arrives. If your system has a filter, replace it. A good rule of thumb is to change your air filter every three months to keep the unit operating efficiently. You may also want to consider adding curtains, shades, or blinds to help keep your home cooler as temperatures rise.
Prepare for Unwanted Pests
Warmer weather brings more than sunshine—it can also bring pests such as ants, roaches, rats, and termites. Prevent them from entering your home by sealing cracks and openings along baseboards, behind sinks, and around pipes and windows. Repair holes in door and window screens to keep pests outside where they belong.
Inspect Your Roof
Winter weather can take a toll on your roof. Experts recommend checking for signs of damage caused by heavy snow, ice, or debris. If you inspect your roof yourself, use caution and follow ladder safety guidelines.
Clean Your Gutters
Winter storms and winds often leave debris in your gutters. Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog gutters and downspouts, preventing proper drainage. Without regular cleaning, your home may become susceptible to interior or exterior water damage.
For more tips on tackling home maintenance throughout the year—or if you prefer to have a professional handle these tasks—contact the North Coast Building Industry Association (NCBIA). We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and home services.
When you hire an NCBIA member, you are choosing a trusted professional dedicated to quality and integrity. We have members that can help you with these tasks above, especially if you need your gutters cleaned, need a roof inspection, windows cleaned, or your air conditioner checked. Our members are reliable and dependable. If you are unsure whether your contractor is an NCBIA member, or if you would like a list of our members, visit www.ncbia.com or call 440-934-1090Explore
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