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Posted on Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.

6 things around the house to fix, mend and check in time for spring

By Keith A. Paul

Rake

Photo by Allaroundthehouse.com

I would like to get out in the warmer weather and enjoy it, but I know it’s time for the spring maintenance to-do list. What are some of the most important things to get started on?
Jack S., Northville

I love winter, but right around mid-March, when the days start to get warmer and the sun starts shining, I get spring fever! I get anxious to get out in the yard and start my spring cleanup.

Just last week, I got the chance to get out in the yard and began to get it ready for family enjoyment. As I walked around the yard, I picked up things we used to enjoy during the winter weather that had gotten buried by the snow (mittens, the snowman’s arms, even a snow sled from the pond), and I got to thinking of the list of things that needed to be done to maintain the house.

First the sump pump: With all this melting snow and with spring rains on the way, you want to make sure your sump pump is working properly. Check the pit and clean out any debris. Fill the pit up part way with water to make certain the sump pump turns on and off. If you have a float mechanism, make sure it's not obstructed and moves freely.

I also recommend a back-up sump pump. There are two main types, battery and water powered. If you have a well, as many of us do in Washtenaw County, a battery back-up would be the pump of choice.

Next, check the roof and attic area: Look for damage caused by ice and snow melting and refreezing. Look for shingles that have turned up or bent down, as this is where water can find a way into your home. I recommend waiting until there have been a few warm days in a row so you do not slip off the roof.

In the attic, check for damp wood or water marks and wet insulation. While you are up there, check the vent for nests of critters that were looking for a warm place to live. They can obstruct your vents and interrupt your airflow.

Inspect the gutters: Look for gutters clogged with leaves and sticks. My mother-in-law once had a squirrel storing his winter stash in one of her gutters. After you get the gutters cleaned, inspect for damage from the weight of ice and re-attach as necessary. Also look for corrosion, joints that have separated and gutters that are pulling away from the house. Make sure your down spouts are extended away from your home. All these will need to be repaired before the spring rains come.

Examine the exterior of your home: Look for cracks that might be inviting for insects to come in and make themselves at home. Make sure you get those sealed. Scrape and touch up anywhere the paint is cracked or peeling. If you have boards on your home that are rotting, those need to be replaced.

When checking for brick or mortar damage, look at the face to make sure it's not chipping. This allows moisture to get in, which will make things worse. Use a sealant made for brick. If the mortar is deteriorating, it also must be replaced.

dime

Photo by connectusonline.org

Don’t forget the foundation. Inspect it for deterioration that would need to be corrected right away. Seal up any cracks to keep the critters out. I found it interesting to learn that a mouse needs a crack only as wide as a dime to fit into.

Now is also a good time to make sure your air-conditioning is in good shape: Clear the central air unit from debris. Trim any shrubbery away from the unit. Change the air filters in window air conditioners and be sure to test it. You do not want to find out in 80-degree weather that it's not working properly. Not only will you have to put up with the heat, but it may cost a little more to repair during a busy season.

Deck and porch maintenance: Inspect for winter damage, since uneven boards can be a serious safety hazard. Replace any rotting boards and refasten loose planks. Clean or power wash mold and mildew areas.

Finally, don’t forget to take time to enjoy all your hard work. I hope all the readers are as lucky as I am when I sit out on the deck in the evening with my family. I cannot believe how blessed I am and how all that hard work is worth it. My hope is everyone reading this feels the same.

Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as president and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties. www.handypro.com. Listen to Paul every Saturday at 11 a.m. on “It’s Your Home, Let’s Talk About It” WAAM Talk 1600AM. Email questions or comments to kpaul@handypro.com.

Comments

KJMClark

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 8:28 p.m.

I thought there would be some yardwork listed. Here are some I know of: - last chance to get your winter pruning done - last chance to get dormant oil spray on fruit trees - good time to spread spring fertilizers, particularly for bulbs - good time to collect soil for soil tests - great time to force spring shrub cuttings to bloom inside - good time to wake up the garden - not a bad time to plant spinach, lettuce and peas, particularly if you have cloches to cover them with - good time to turn the compost bins - good time to sharpen mower blades - time to get some of the summer transplants started indoors - good time to re-pot plants you're going to move outdoors in the summer Some other things for the house: - if you have a humidifier on your furnace, it might be a good time to clean the pad/element - time to peel some of the plastic off some of the windows Of course, it's a *really* good time to finish the tax return... :-( That's great advice to do an inspection. Sometimes spigots start leaking from freeze damage this time of year. We found a bit of rotten wood on one corner of the house too.