Seasonal Maintenance Tips

By following a preventive maintenance program, you can increase the wear-ability and the eventual sale-ability of your home. The proper precautions taken now will help save you time and money in the long run. Remember, a home is the largest asset most of us will own. Through timely inspections and proper maintenance, you will have done your part in protecting that asset.

Winter Maintenance

• Air Conditioning - Clean out and cover your air conditioner.
• Asphalt Driveway - Patch cracks and holes; apply sealer.
• Basement Window Wells - Remove leaves; check drainage.
• Caulking - Replace loose caulking around windows / doors.
• Chimney Cap - Inspect for cracks; flashing should be secure.
• Exterior Paint - Repaint before temperature drops below 40 degrees.
• Fireplace / Chimney - Check damper; have flue cleaned if needed.
• Gutters / Downspouts - Remove debris and check for damage.
• Heater - Professionally clean; replace filter.
• Insulate - Properly insulate attic floor and pipes in unheated areas of your home.
• Outside Faucets - Shut off and drain pipes leaving faucet on.
• Roof - Look for torn, loose shingles and repair.
• Weather Stripping - Check door / windows; replace if necessary.
• Windows - Repair or replace any cracked or broken windows.

Spring Maintenance

• Air Conditioning - Clean the outdoor condensing unit before cooling season and have it checked when warmer temperatures are constant (early May); change filters each month during cooling season and check it for proper drainage at condensate line.
• Asphalt Driveway - Patch cracks and holes; apply sealer.
• Basement Window Wells - Remove leaves; check drainage.
• Concrete Steps / Sidewalks - Repair cracked or shifted concrete caused by winter freezing and thawing cycles.
• Decks - Look for signs of termites and decay in wood; clean/re-stain.
• Foundation - Make sure that water drains away from your house.
• Gutters / Downspouts - Remove debris and check for damage.
• Roof - Look for torn, loose shingles and repair.
• Trees - As trees begin to turn green, it will be easy to identify those that did not survive the cold weather; dead trees and limbs are a hazard to your property and your neighbor's; remove them before any damage occurs.