After a long, cold winter, you are more than likely thrilled to see the snow melting and the temperature warming up. As spring inches closer, it is important to remember that you are not the only one who took a beating from the harsh winter weather. From falling gutters and cracked sidewalks to faded patios, your home goes through it all. It is important to not only take care of yourself but to also take care of your home once the snow melts away and spring is well underway. Here are seven tips to home improvement and spring maintenance.

1. Update Your Patio

This is one feature of your home that can take a beating from harsh winds and deep snow. Every spring, you should look into repairing and upgrading the parts of the patio that might not be in the best state. Consider putting in stained, molded or painted concrete, outdoor lighting or water features. You should even consider enclosing your patio, which will make it a great spot during the spring and summer and will also help protect the patio itself in the colder months.

2. Check the Gutters

If you get a lot of snow in your area, gutters can become weighed down over the winter. This is the big reason that gutters may start to leak or even fall during the winter season. When it begins to warm up, make sure that you immediately check your gutters for cracks, leaks and falling pieces. Also ensure that the downspout is free of debris such as leaves and trash.

3. Fill In Low Areas

Spring rain can cause flooding, so you should fill in holes and low areas near the foundation of your home. This will help protect against foundation damage and flooding in your house. This will also ward off insects from nesting near the foundation of your home.

1. Clean Gutters 2. Fill Low Spots 3. Check Shingles

4. Examine Shingles

Look and see if any shingles have fallen from your roof or if your roof has any significant damage. Winter winds, bitter cold and snow can crack shingles or loosen them from the roof. Specifically, check around chimneys, skylights and vents for serious damage.

5. Check the Chimney

If your home has a chimney, it is just as important to check it as it is to check your roof. With masonry chimneys, check the joints between the brick or stone to see if any are cracked or have fallen out or if there are plants such as moss or vines growing between them. All of these things are signs of water being absorbed by the chimney. This means you will need to reseal the areas between the bricks or stones.

6. Look Around the Basement

The basement is extremely prone to both insects and water damage. Pay special attention to your concrete walls. Look for cracks that start from the floor and spread all the way up the walls; this is a good indicator of moisture.

7. Clean the Grill

If your grill has remained completely idle during the winter months, it is important to inspect it once the weather warms up. Check the burners and jets for clogs, make sure the connections for the gas are not damaged or broken, and check your propane tank. If you have a charcoal grill make sure it is clean and rid it of soot and leftover grease.

All of these tasks can be difficult for you to do on your home, especially if there are other home improvement projects on your agenda. This is where Mike Sikora’s Dayton Home Improvement comes in handy. We can inspect you roof, basement, and chimney and fix what needs to be repaired for an affordable price and with no hassle.