6 Must-Do Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance Tasks

  1. 1. Clean gutters

Consider this a bi-annual outdoor maintenance task. Look in gutter bottoms for loose granules that signal your asphalt roof may need replacing.

  1. 2. Inspect your roof

Look for curled and missing shingles, rusted and pitted flashing, and cracked caulk around pipe collars, skylights and other roof penetrations.

  1. 3. Repair paint

Scrape off any chipped and peeling paint and spot painting exposed surfaces.

  1. 4. Trim overgrowth

Spring is a good time to trim branches of shrubs and trees away from your house since you’re still able to see individual limbs. Keep branches 5 to 7 feet away from your home so they can’t conduct moisture onto your roofing and siding. This will also deter squirrels and raccoons from find their way to your attic.

  1. 5. Ensure good drainage

Check drainage to make sure the soil slopes away from the foundation walls at least six vertical inches over 10 feet.

  1. 6. Check foundation vents

Homes with crawl spaces have vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that help dissipate excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

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