As temperatures rise and daylight stretches longer into the evening, it can pay to prepare for the warmer months ahead. A thorough spring maintenance routine can prevent costly repairs, increase safety, and improve the overall comfort of your home.
EXTERIOR INSPECTION & CLEAN-UP
Roof & Siding Review
Inspect roofs for missing shingles, leaks, or storm damage, and examine siding for cracks, rot, or warping. Staying on top of repairs can prevent water damage and structural complications. Minor damage to siding can be repaired with certain kinds of putty to seal the cracks and painted over, while roofing repairs are usually best left to professionals.
“Typically, in the wintertime, you have trees that will shed limbs,” said Adam Beasley, writer of Lazy Guy DIY. “So be on the lookout for anything that has fallen at any point, and you’ll be able to see if it punched through.”
Gutters & Downspouts
Clear debris from the gutters and ensure downspouts are directing water away from the foundation. Clogged drainage systems can cause serious water damage if left unattended.
“Most people don’t want to deal with anything with gutters and leaves and everything else in the fall and winter,” Beasley said. “But you’re going to get a ton of rain typically, wherever you are in the spring, so if those aren’t cleaned out you’re going to have problems.”
Foundation & Driveway
Take a walk around the perimeter of your home to check for cracks or settling in the foundation and driveway. Early sealing of minor breaks and cracks can be done yourself if the damage isn’t extensive, and can avert major structural issues down the line.
“It’s better to get that done now in the spring before you get in the summertime, where it just gets really hot,” Beasley said. “But just check those cracks out and you can put a little expanding compound in there to fill in those cracks.”
Tree & Shrub Maintenance
Trim back limbs encroaching on the house or roof. Overgrown vegetation can damage shingles and siding, and during spring storms can break off and clog the gutters with extra debris.
Lawn & Garden Preparation
Rake up the leftover dead leaves, dethatch your lawn, and apply fertilizer to help the flowers bloom. Spring is the time to prep your garden and start planting, so it grows strong and healthy for the summer.
INTERIOR MAINTENANCE CHECKS
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all alarms and replace batteries as needed. These small devices play a crucial role in home safety and should generally be checked every month.
Windows & Doors
Inspect seals, caulking, and weather stripping. Proper sealing can reduce cooling costs as temperatures climb in the spring and summer.
“If you have a regular wooden door, just reapply another seal coat on there to whatever preference. As far as windows, you’ll start noticing if there’s a buildup of condensation, and that’s a sign that some seal is potentially broken,” Beasley said. “It’s good to get those taken care of before it gets too hot.”
Deep Cleaning
Time for spring cleaning, and really get down to it: go beyond the usual sweep/mop/vacuum dust and dust fans and baseboards, clean behind appliances, steam clean the couch, clean the windows – all those often-overlooked areas. A cleaner home supports better air quality and comfortable living.
“If anyone has a basement, people tend to just stack stuff down there and have everything all around,” Beasley said. “A lot of moisture comes into the basement in the springtime, and it’s a great place for bugs to come in.”
Air Conditioning Readiness
You’ll want to make sure your HVAC systems are in good shape before summer hits. Have filters changed, vents cleaned, and the system inspected for efficiency. Annual maintenance can extend the life of the unit and lower energy usage.
“Check your HVAC, check your filters, check anything else, because you’ve been running heat the whole time, and that wreaks havoc on your HVAC system,” Beasley said.
ADDITIONAL TASKS TO CONSIDER
- Outdoor Plumbing: Turn exterior faucets back on and check sprinkler systems for leaks or damage.
- Power Washing: Clean decks, patios, and siding to remove mold, mildew, and grime.
- Attic & Basement Check: Inspect for signs of moisture, mold, or pests.
- Inventory Summer Supplies: Replenish grilling fuel, check lawn equipment, and stock up on outdoor essentials.
A few hours of maintenance each week in the spring will go a long way to making you and your home feel better and more prepared for the summer ahead.
To learn more about home maintenance and design, visit newhomesource.com/learn.
James Klingele
James Klingele holds a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Innovation from Texas State University. He is a digital media specialist and content creator with a passion for storytelling in both print and digital formats. His work has included covering high-profile events like SXSW, where he contributed to content creation for global audiences. He has been a content specialist for NewHomeSource since 2024.