Spring Maintenance

April/ May

• Attic; this is best done on a wet day using a flashlight. (Wear a dust mask, walk on the rafters)
• Inspect for water penetrating the roof, with particular attention to the area around the chimney and vent pipes.
• Check for critters and any damage they may have done particularly to the electrical system.
• Gable vents should be covered with wire mesh and fly screen.
• Check the operation of any attic fans (temperature will need to be above 70 degrees) set operational temperature to 80 degrees.
• If you have a whole house fan, uncover it and lubricate as necessary. Check the belt for wear and tension (should deflect a half-inch when pressed in the middle).
• Electric Panel, (turn off the power before removing the cover) look for damaged or burned wires. An electrician should inspect breakers or fuses that overload regularly.
• Ground fault interrupt receptacles (GFCI) should be tested using the test button.
• Receptacles / switches replace any damaged fixtures.
• Water heater, check for leaks
• Heating and cooling system, have it professionally serviced and cleaned.
• Humidifier, Most newer units need the medium replaced.
• A/C Compressor, clean leaves and grass from the outside of a condenser
• Cut back bushes 18 inches from the sides, and all overhanging tree limbs.
  • Replace damaged insulation on the insulated copper line.
• Chimneys, have cleaned if they have been used. (In the fall chimney sweeps are often too busy)
• Windows, cracked glass should be replaced.
  • Weep holes at the bottom of windows should be cleaned out
  • Repair damaged screens.
  • Lubricate mechanisms.
  • All windows should lock.
• Gutters, use care when positioning the ladder.
  • Remove debris from gutters and downspouts. (Use a wire snake on downspouts if they are not draining)
  • Check gutter and downspouts alignment, be sure rainwater drains. Splash blocks should be in position under all downspouts.
  • Check for leaks on the joints and on the end caps
  • Secure any loose fasteners.
• Exterior doors, lubricate hinges and locks.
  • Check weather stripping around the door and along the bottom of the door.
• Garage Door, check operation of the safety features of the opener. Should be the close force safety reverse and the safety beam 4” above the floor on the side track.
• Driveway, clean and repair cracks.
• Termites look for termite tubes on the exterior foundation, on the interior of basements or crawl spaces, Inside check along baseboards and garage walls. (Recommend having an exterminator inspect the house once a year)
• Exterior, should be checked for deterioration, rot or loose trim,
  • Cracks in brick or mortar should be repaired.
  • Areas that need touch up painting.
  • Replace caulk that is deteriorating around doors, windows, vents and along trim work. (Remove old caulk)
  • Inspect the grading around the house making sure the water drains away from the house on all sides.
  • Clean out debris or leaves from doorways window wells and storm drains.
  • Outside faucets and hose bibs should be checked for leaks or drips.
  • TV dishes / antennas, mountings and/or mast should be secure.
• Roof, look for damaged or loose shingles, nails showing.
  • Examine the flashing around chimney, vent stacks and any other protrusion.
  • On roofs with multiple levels, pay attention to the wood trim that comes in contact with the shingles. (Look for rotting siding or trim)
  • Inspect the chimney for loose bricks or deteriorating joints. The crown (top) should be examined and any cracks sealed.