Spring is here, serving as a fresh reminder to ensure our homes are in peak condition. It’s the season to roll up our sleeves and lavish attention on our living spaces to make them safe and inviting. Here’s a simple guide to spring home maintenance, essential for every homeowner looking to keep their home safe and welcoming all season long.
1. Inspect Your Roof
The roof endures a lot of wear from seasonal extremes, so it’s important to inspect it for any signs of damage such as curled or missing shingles, general wear, and compromised chimney mortar. Maintaining your roof is crucial to preventing water damage. Assess it safely from the ground using binoculars—if you need to go up on a ladder, always ensure someone is there for support. Special attention should be paid to areas around trees, trimming any branches that could pose a risk. Early detection and maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your home protected.
2. Eavestroughs and Downspouts Maintenance
Ensure your home’s water drainage system is clear of debris like leaves, shingle fragments, and ice. Check if water is properly flowing away from your foundation to prevent seepage—a quick test with a garden hose can reveal any blockages. Additionally, ensure all gutters, downspouts, and leaf guards are firmly attached so they can keep your home’s foundation safe from water damage.
3. Foundation and Window Well Check
Winter can be hard on your home’s foundation. Inspect it for small cracks or signs of moisture, which can often be fixed with a simple DIY solution from your local hardware store. Pay special attention to window wells, clearing out any accumulated snow or leaves to prevent moisture retention and ensuring a dry foundation.
4. Check the Siding
Examine your home’s siding for any damage caused by winter weather. Look for cracks, breaks, or discoloration in materials like brick, stone, wood, or vinyl. Prompt repairs are vital to avoid water seepage and potential pest infestations, keeping your home secure and looking its best.
5. Outdoor Areas Assessment
With the snow melting, assess the condition of guardrails, patios, and steps. Repair any damage to ensure these areas are safe for use. Look out for signs of mold on outdoor boards, an indicator that repairs are needed to maintain the integrity and safety of your outdoor living spaces.
6. Windows and Doors Inspection
Ensuring your windows and doors are in top condition is key to your home’s energy efficiency and overall comfort. Start by inspecting the doorframes for any gaps and lubricating the hinges for smooth operation. Check the seals on windows and lubricate any cranks as needed for ease of use. When cleaning your windows and screens, choose a cloudy day to avoid streaks caused by the sun drying the cleaning solution too quickly. Use a sprayer and wipe the windows dry with a microfiber rag or even old newspaper for sparkling results.
7. Check the Plumbing System
Water damage, a leading cause of home insurance claims, can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, with proactive measures, it can be avoidable. Begin by inspecting all plumbing fixtures, including those in your dishwasher, sinks, washing machine, and toilets, as well as in appliances like your refrigerator. Look out for any wear or leaks in fittings, hoses, and pipes, and replace them as needed to prevent leaks. Additionally, assess your water heater, especially if it‘s older than a decade, as it may be time for an upgrade. Importantly, if your home has a backwater valve, check it annually for blockage and debris to help prevent sewer backup and flooding; if you notice damage to the valve, calling a plumber is advisable to ensure your home remains safeguarded against potential water-related damage.
“It is commonplace for vehicle owners to follow the recommended service intervals of their vehicles. Home maintenance should be approached in the same way. Prioritize your peace of mind and safeguard your home by arranging routine plumbing inspections. Opting for professional checks allows early detection of potential problems like leaks, pipe corrosion, or fixture malfunctions, helping you steer clear of water damage catastrophes. A modest investment in preventative inspections today can save you substantial headaches and expenses in the future.” — David Collins, IICRC Certified Field Operations at Unica
8. HVAC System Care
Maintain your HVAC system’s efficiency by cleaning or replacing air filters. Inspect and clean bathroom fan covers and kitchen vent hoods to prevent fire hazards. If your air conditioner or heat pump needs attention, don’t hesitate to call a professional for maintenance.
Ready for a Stress-Free Spring?
Spring home maintenance is crucial for ensuring your home remains a comfortable, safe, and efficient space for you and your loved ones. At Unica Insurance, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. With our best-in-class comprehensive property coverage, you can rest easy knowing your home is protected against the unexpected.
Understanding your home insurance coverage is equally important. To make sure your policy meets your needs and to explore additional coverage options that might be right for you, we encourage you to reach out to a Unica Insurance broker. Our experts are here to help you make informed decisions about your coverage and provide peace of mind that your home is well-protected.
