Spring Into Warmer Weather: 10 Tips to Prepare Your Home
As winter starts to fade away and spring emerges, the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and blooming flowers can bring a sense of renewal. However, this time of year also presents challenges such as severe storms, increased humidity levels, and frequent rain showers.
To ensure your home is ready for the changing seasons, regular maintenance is crucial. Preparing your home for spring not only enhances its safety and comfort but also reduces the risk of damage. As you check off your indoor spring-cleaning checklist, don’t forget to pay some attention to the exterior of your home.
1. Check the roof
Winter weather can take a toll on your roof, exposing it to freezing temperatures, ice, storms, and wind. Inspect your roof for curling or missing shingles, signs of wear and tear, debris buildup, and other damage. Consider contacting a professional for a thorough inspection of areas you may not be able to see from the ground. Your roof is a protective shield for your home and family, so don’t delay when it comes to repairs.
2. Clean out gutters
Gutters and downspouts play an important role of directing water away from your home. During the fall and winter seasons, they can easily fill up with leaves, insects, standing water, and other debris. To ensure smooth water flow, use a ladder and gloves (or a long tool) to clean out your gutters. If you don’t feel safe doing this task yourself, consider hiring a professional. Additionally, installing gutter guards can help keep your gutters clear throughout the year and reduce maintenance.
3. Inspect your air conditioning unit
As the weather warms up, it’s wise to ensure your HVAC system is ready for the heat. While breakdowns can’t always be prevented, there are practical steps you can take to keep it running smoothly. Clear debris around the unit to ensure optimal airflow and check the exterior panels for signs of damage or wear. Avoid running the unit constantly to prevent overworking it. If you spot any damage or notice a decrease in efficiency, call a professional. Inside your home, replace the air conditioning filter to start fresh for the new season.
4. Check seals around doors and windows
Winter temperatures can wear down the sealant around your doors and windows. If you notice any rotted or deteriorated areas, consider installing new seals or weatherstripping to help keep the cool air inside. If you frequently open windows to enjoy the warmer weather, clean out your window sills to prevent dirt and insects from entering your home. Taking a few minutes to ensure your home’s openings are properly sealed can improve insulation and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
5. Trim overgrown trees and shrubs
Trimming trees and shrubs not only enhances your home’s visual appeal but also helps reduce the risk of storm damage. Spring can bring severe weather, high winds, and heavy rain due to changing air pressures. To prevent damage, keep branches away from your home, windows, and power lines. Regular pruning helps keep your landscaping healthy and strong, reducing the chances of breakage during storms.
6. Check high humidity areas for mold
Sink cabinets, bathrooms, basements, window sills, and other damp areas are often prone to mold growth. To stay ahead of any issues, utilize dehumidifiers and ensure those areas have proper ventilation. Mold not only poses health risks but can cause structural damage that may affect your homeowners insurance. Most insurance policies only cover mold damage if it results from a covered peril, such as a burst pipe or storm damage, not from neglected maintenance. In severe cases of mold growth, call a professional.
7. Clean outdoor common areas
If you have a porch or outdoor patio, it’s a good idea to give everything a thorough wipe down as spring arrives. Outdoor furniture and structures can accumulate dirt, dust, and unwanted insects over the winter. Check your outdoor areas for loose boards, exposed nails, or other damages that need attention. Make necessary repairs before you and your family start spending time outside to prevent accidents.
8. Check exterior paint and siding
Damaged siding and peeling pant can allow moisture to seep into your home and can lead to structural damage. Cracks and holes in siding can also give pests an easy entrance, potentially causing further damage and creating a headache to eliminate. Damage that occurs from neglect or poor maintenance likely won’t be covered by your homeowners insurance, so addressing minor issues early is crucial. Plus, maintaining the exterior of your home can preserve its value and save you from expensive repairs down the road.
9. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Ensure all detectors in your home are working properly and replace batteries as needed. Early detection of fires or gas leaks can reduce repair costs, limit the extent of damage, and keep your household members safe. Contact your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a homeowners discount by having certain detectors and safety measures in place.
10. Review your insurance coverage
As you prepare your home for warm weather, it’s also a great time to review your insurance coverage. Make sure your homeowners policy reflects any improvements or changes you’ve made to your home over the last season. By keeping your coverage updated, you can be confident that your home is well-protected against unexpected damage.
Additional spring maintenance tips to consider
Prepare your lawn equipment: Sharpen blades, charge batteries (if electric), lubricate moving parts, and refer to the owner’s manual for proper maintenance instructions on your lawn maintenance tools.
Check your sprinkler system: If you turned off your sprinkler system for the winter, now is a good time to start it back up. If you notice damage to the sprinkler heads or a decrease in function, call a professional.
Clean your dryer vent: Cleaning your dryer vent and lint trap frequently helps keep your dryer in good shape and reduces the risk of fire hazards.
Sunny days ahead with Homeowners Insurance from Alfa®
Rolling up your sleeves and addressing seasonal home maintenance tasks can help you avoid potential insurance claims and save money in the long run. With homeowners insurance you can count on, you can enjoy the changing seasons with confidence instead of worrying about damage. To learn more about how homeowners insurance can safeguard your home and property, reach out to your local Alfa agent.
All coverages are subject to deductibles and policy limits. This is not an insurance policy. It is intended only to provide a general description of Alfa Insurance® and/or its product lines and services. An actual policy contains the specific details of the deductibles, coverages, conditions and exclusions. Your Alfa® agent can explain the policy and benefits and answer any questions you may have before you buy.