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May 2007 |
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Spring Home Improvements |
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As warmer temperatures come out to play, so should your inner handy man or woman! Spring is the perfect time to tackle some timely home improvements, for a safe spring and summer. Use the tips to help guide your spring fix-it checklist.
Winter woes. The cold weather in winter can lead to a variety of home issues, especially cracks in concrete. Your driveway, walkway, porch, foundation… anything with concrete may have been affected by water that froze and expanded over the winter months. Make a thorough check of your basement, outdoor concrete walkways, and your shared sidewalk and look for cracks. Make these a priority to fix - leaving cracks alone can result in further damage and the chance of injury. Small cracks can be patched with concrete caulk; larger cracks may require a concrete patch.
Gutter Issues. Wet rains and snow can lead to dirty gutters. Chances are that even if you cleaned your gutters in the fall, leaves, twigs, and dirt have found their way back in. Take an afternoon and clean out your gutters in preparation for spring’s rainy days. While you are up there, install gutter guards or shields, which can help to keep leaves and debris out of gutters.
Check the roof. Make sure no shingles are missing, and that they are in good shape. Replace any that aren’t doing their job to help prevent rain water from coming into your home.
Washing the house. Mold and mildew may have accumulated over the winter months, and not only does it look unattractive, it can be
unhealthy. Whether you have black spores dotting your bricks or siding, or greenish grey residue lurking on basement walls, take a few hours to clean it. A bleach solution or EPA-registered mold and mildew cleaner is perfect for indoor use. For outdoors, a power washer with a mold and mildew cleaner is a good option (look for one that won’t hurt shrubs and plants). Don’t forget that mildew-resistant paint is available; consider it the next time you paint your basement or home.
Get in the garden.Leaves, branches and debris should be cleaned out of garden beds, and old mulch should be removed and replaced with a fresh new layer. Make sure the garden is dry before you begin any cleaning, to avoid damaging a fragile atmosphere. Also remove and replace mulch from around trees, and don’t forget to look over your lawn – remove any rocks, and note any areas that should be filled to help prevent twisted ankles.
Get your air conditioner checked. Cold weather, sticks and leaves, and other elements can take their toll on air conditioning units. Schedule a routine maintenance check – a unit that is running properly will help keep the cost of your cooling bills down, too.
Look over your screens. Repair any tears and rust and give them a thorough washing before making sure they fit properly – there should be no gaps or buckling, and they should move up and down easily. Store your storm windows in a safe place as you replace them with screens.
Inspect your outdoor living areas. Wood decks and playsets can splinter and rot, outdoor furniture and toys can rust, and patio tiles can become loose. Inspect everything and repair as needed, and finish with a powerful cleaning. Don’t forget to clean your grill too - your guests will appreciate it!
And don’t forget to replace your fire alarm batteries and test each unit.
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