Home maintenance may have taken the back burner during cold winter months, but spring is the perfect time to make sure your home is in top shape for the rest of the year. Christine McKenny of Dave Perry-Miller & Associates has offered tips for spring maintenance. 

• Check your gutters. They should not be leaking or loose. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the house. Clean your gutters as well, as debris may have accumulated from winter. A good cleaning will get gutters ready for spring/summer rain storms. 

• Get your landscape pruned. This also creates good drainage.

• Fill in low places in your yard. These low places, whether in your yard or next to the foundation, should be filled with soil or dirt. The spring rains could flood your yard, and if/when water remains, low places could be a breeding ground for insects.

• Repair damaged shingles. The summer sun can damage shingles on your roof. Shingles that are cracked or loose need to be replaced as damaged shingles can make your roof inefficient and leak. Flashing around skylights and chimneys will need to be checked and/or repaired by your roofer. In addition, your roofer will be able to check that no animals are calling your chimney home!

• Have your HVAC company service your air conditioning system. The cleaned coils should operate your unit(s) more efficiently. Also, for the “do it yourself-ers,” change the interior filters and change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. These changes should make your indoor air quality healthier, too! 

• Inspect your exterior stucco and brick. Look for any deteriorated mortar. 

• Inspect your attic for nests and make sure the ventilation is in working order. (Example: obstructions over vents, roof leaks, and wetness on insulation.) 

• Make sure your weather stripping is working to create a good seal.

• Inspect outdoor concrete cracks. You are looking for potential foundation issues with cracks. (Small cracks are normal, large cracks are signs that your foundation might need to be repaired.) You can always call any local foundation company and they will come out and inspect your property and give you an estimate.

• Check window screens for rips and replace if necessary.

• Don't forget to do your spring cleaning!