April is the perfect month to get your home’s exterior and yard ready for summer. Before you plan a camping trip or a staycation, don’t forget to start those spring home maintenance chores. Here is our April home maintenance checklist for your convenience.
Clean and Repair the Gutter System
Mid-April or when most of the blossoms have fallen, clean the gutters. Remove any debris from the downspouts. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for dents – especially dents in downspouts can restrict the water flow and encourage debris build-up. Tighten any loose hardware and seal any leaks.
Check Entry Doors and Windows
If the weather stripping around doors and windows is cracked or flaking, air is escaping in and out of your home. Air escaping in summer (air conditioner) or in winter (furnace) can boost energy bills, causing you to pay more than you have to.
Also check entry doors and trim for damage such as gaps, peeling paint, wood rot, and mold. Replace sections of window/door trim or door panels showing signs of wood rot. Remove mold. Find the source of the gaps between the door and the frame or the bottom of the door and floor – it could be an indication of a shifting foundation or other structural issues.
Wash Windows
If you can still see through the windows – grime and all – it’s easy to dismiss window cleaning as a priority home maintenance chore. However, especially living in the lower mainland, getting the most out of a sunny day is important to overall health including a sense of well-being. Dirt on windows, both outside and inside, reduces the amount of light entering your home. Wash windows for better curb appeal and a fresh spring view of the world.
Inspect Siding
Before power washing the siding inspect siding panels for raised nail heads, cracks, and holes. Signs of pest infestation (mice, bees, squirrels) include:
- Tiny holes
- Gaps or holes in the eaves
- Bite marks
- Woodpeckers in the trees of your property – when they drill into wood siding looking to food they create numerous shallow holes
Trim Trees
Recent wind storms in the Lower Mainland are good reminders that the trees growing on a property, particularly those near to the house can be weapons of destruction. Branches too close to your home can harm siding, gutters, roof, and windows. They can also create a handy highway from the ground to the roof for pests such as squirrels and other rodents. Regularly pruning shrubs and trees will help reduce the probability of windstorm damage and pest infestation.
Power Wash
Power wash the exterior of your home to get rid of grime. Washing away dirt is a good way to prevent mold growth on siding. Power washing the driveway, pathways, and the deck or patio will brighten up surface areas.
Test Sprinklers
Inspect the irrigation system to ensure it is running properly. Look for leaks (wet spots where they shouldn’t be), misaligned heads (sprays into areas other than grass), and cracked nozzle or missing heads (water bubbles instead of sprays). When the source of the problem is not clear or it’s not something you can fix, schedule a service call.
Check Fences
Check the fences on your property for any wobbly posts, holes, gaps between the base and the ground, loose boards, and broken boards. Make the appropriate repairs.
Inspect Equipment and Outdoor Furniture
Get the lawnmower back in shape. Clean gardening tools and remove rust. Inspect the barbecue and get it ready for grilling season. If it’s still in storage, move patio furniture outdoors. Clean and repair any pieces that need attention.
