Kick off your spring cleaning with these simple home maintenance tasks!
Spring is the season for renewing and refreshing—why should your home miss out? While spring cleaning is a great way to freshen up your home for the year, many people tend to forget about the outside of their house! March is the perfect time (and weather) for Houston homeowners to focus on their home's exterior maintenance.
Here are four essential home maintenance tasks Houston homeowners can do in March to refresh the exterior of their home:
1. Inspect & Repair Your Roof
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against everything nature brings, like Houston’s unpredictable weather, so it’s important to inspect it regularly for repair or maintenance needs. Make sure to look for and fix any missing shingles, leaks, or other damage that might have happened during the last series of crazy storms. If you do have to replace any shingles, it’s a good idea to add additional hurricane clips (if possible) to enhance the wind load your roof can handle. Addressing these issues now will help prevent costly repairs and leaks when the heavy rains start to hit during hurricane season!
2. Clean Your Patios & Decks
Now that warmer days seem here to stay (at least in Houston), March is the perfect time to give the outside of your home a good, deep clean—including your patios and decks. Before you reach for the power washer, be sure to remove any fallen leaves, dust or dirt, and pollen…you don’t want to just spray all that grime into your home (especially if you have a wooden deck or siding)! If you have a wooden deck, it's a good time to apply a fresh coat of stain and sealant to keep it looking fresh and to protect it from the upcoming sunny days. And don’t forget to give all your outdoor furniture a good scrubbing, too. Because can you truly enjoy the beautiful season if you’re sitting in dirt?
Plus, if you’re planning on listing your home and taking advantage of the spring market, this will boost its curb appeal immensely!
3. Repair Cracks in Driveways & Walkways
Unfortunately, cracks or shifting sections in driveways and walkways are almost unavoidable—especially in places prone to hot droughts, like Houston. As the ground repeatedly dries out and then swells from rain, the leveled out pathways will become unleveled over time. Not to mention, cars are heavy; driving over the pavement will eventually cause cracks. Not only are these problems ugly to look at, but they’re also hazardous to walk on!
Inspect and repair the damages in your driveway and walkways to prevent further deterioration and tripping hazards. Plus, this is another way to enhance your home's curb appeal (and safety) if you’re wanting to sell your home in the spring!
4. Clear Out the Gutters & Downspouts
This monthly home maintenance task is easily one of the most important. Remember all the fallen leaves, branches, and other debris you had to clean from your patio? There are just as many, if not more, clogging your gutters, downspouts, and exterior drainage areas! Gutters (when properly functioning) are what help direct water away from your home and foundation, greatly reducing the risk of water damage and costly repairs. Take the time to fully clean them out now, or seriously regret it later when you experience a drainage backup and get water damage to your home.
By staying on top of these easy spring home maintenance tasks, Houston homeowners can ensure their properties stay in great condition, saving time, money, and potential headaches down the road. A little effort now goes a long way in keeping your home safe and comfortable throughout the entire year!
Need professional help with any of these home maintenance ideas for March? Contact us today!
Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.