Spring isn’t just a great time to get outside. It’s a great time to inspect and repair your home to ensure it’s prepared for summer and in tiptop shape for the rest of the year. We’ve rounded up five easy ways to maintain your home this spring to save you from headaches and costly repairs down the road.
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
STEP ONE
Check and clean gutters. Gutters can easily become clogged and back up. Regularly cleaning them at the start of spring is a simple maintenance task that can prevent extensive damage in the future. Here’s what you’ll need to clean your gutters:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Step Ladder
- Extension Ladder with Stabilizer
- Bucket or Trash Bag
- Gloves
- Garden Trowel
- Garden Hose with Spray Nozzle
While it’s not a complicated task, cleaning gutters can be dangerous without the right safety precautions. Be sure to use a sturdy ladder that’s solidly placed on the ground. Use a step ladder for first floor gutters and an extension ladder to reach second story gutters and work over bushes, shrubs, and other plantings. You’ll also need to put on a good pair of gloves to keep your hands dry and protect them from sharp objects you may find as you work.
Start by removing leaves and twigs from the gutters, using a garden trowel to help scoop out dirt and debris. Place the debris in a garbage bag or throw it onto a tarp. When you’re done, rinse them with a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle, working from the far end of the gutter towards the downspout.
STEP TWO
Inspect concrete and patch cracks. Winter can be tough on concrete. Once warm weather arrives, you may be surprised to find new cracks and holes in driveways and walkways that weren’t there the year before. Repairing damaged concrete is an easy task that will save you the hassle and expense of repairing them in the future. Here’s what you’ll need for this task:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Caulk Gun
- Putty Knife
- Backer Rod
- Masonry Caulk
- Concrete Patching Material
- Bucket
- Flat Trowel
- Concrete Edging Tool
- Shop Vac
- Leaf Blower or Power Washer
Start by cleaning debris from cracks and holes. Once you’ve removed all debris, let your concrete dry thoroughly before making any repairs. Fill cracks larger than ¼ of an inch with a closed cell phone backer rod instead of filling the entire crack with caulk. Fill cracks with masonry caulk made especially for concrete repair. Fill holes with concrete patching material, mixing per manufacturer’s instructions. Smooth caulk with a putty knife, so it’s flush with surrounding surfaces. If you’re repairing a hole, smooth patching with a flat trowel. If you need to match existing joints or decorative edges, use a concrete edging tool to shape wet patching material as needed.
STEP THREE
Check outdoor faucets. Outdoor faucets play a big role in keeping grass and other plants healthy throughout the spring and summer. If your outdoor faucet drips, a worn washer is probably to blame. The good news is you can replace the washer and stop that pesky drip in less than an hour with an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and packing nut washers.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Adjustable Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Packing Nut Washers
Start by shutting off your home’s main water supply. Some outdoor faucets have their own shut off valves. These are usually located just inside the exterior or basement foundation wall. Turn on the faucet and allow it to drain. You’ll find the packing nut behind the handle. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the nut. Then remove the handle by unscrewing the small screw holding it in place and remove the valve assembly.
Some valve stem assemblies have two washers, one behind the packing nut and another at the base of the assembly. If your valve has both of these washers, remove them using a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry them out if they’re stuck. Replace the washers and reassemble the faucet.
Replace the handle, tightening the packing nut onto the faucet body with an adjustable wrench. Be careful not to over tighten, as this could damage the assembly. Turn the water supply back on.
STEP FOUR
Check door and window seals. Air leaks aren’t just a problem during cold winter months. They’re a problem in warm months as well. Keep your home cool this summer and save on energy bills by weatherizing windows and doors.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Peel-and-Stick Weatherstripping
- Door Threshold Seal
- Drill with Bits
- Screwdriver
Once you’ve determined which windows and door frames need to be weatherized, clean around door and window frames. Once fully dry, carefully adhere new peel-and-stick weatherstripping. Replace worn door seals with new ones. If you can spot a gap under your door, buy a replacement seal that’s thicker than the old one.
STEP FIVE
Inspect and repair siding. Cracked or chipped siding doesn’t just look bad. It can lead to rot, mold, and expensive repairs. A quick inspection and repair now can save you from headaches later. Here’s what you’ll need to replace damaged or broken siding:
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Utility Knife
- Hammer
- Flat Pry Bar
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Sawhorses
- Paint Brush
- Replacement Siding
- Galvanized Siding Nails
- Paint
- Exterior Caulk
- Circular Saw (Optional)
Start by carefully checking the outside of your house to look for any damage to your siding, noting any pieces that may need to be repaired or replaced. Cut through any paint or caulk around the edges of the damaged board with a utility knife. Use a small pry bar to loosen the piece of siding directly above the damaged piece. Work the claw of the bar under the edge of the siding, and pry up to expose the nails holding the top edge of the damaged piece in place. Repeat this process for the lower edge of the damaged piece, then remove.
Measure and cut a new piece of siding to length with a utility knife. To cut cement board siding, be sure to use the proper blade. Slip the new siding into place and fasten with two-inch stainless steel or galvanized nails, driving them through the old nail holes to ensure you’re hitting studs. Caulk the butt ends of the new piece, and paint to match the rest of your home. Your repair is complete!
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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