Spring is the perfect time to give your home a thorough cleaning and inspection after a long, harsh winter. As the weather starts to warm up, it’s essential to check and clean several areas outside your home to ensure everything is in good working order. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some essential tasks for your spring exterior checklist to clean and check outside your home in the spring.
Gutters
Your gutters play a crucial role in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. However, they can become clogged with debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, preventing water from flowing correctly. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. So, it’s essential to clean them out in the spring to ensure they’re working correctly. Use a ladder to climb up and scoop out any debris with a trowel. You can also use a hose to flush out any remaining debris and ensure that water is flowing freely.
Window wells
Window wells are the small, often rectangular areas that surround basement windows. They provide light and ventilation to the basement but can also collect debris, leaves, and dirt. This debris can block the window well drain, causing water to build up and seep into your basement. It’s essential to clean out your window wells in the spring, remove any debris, and ensure that the drain is clear.
Grade drainage
The grade of your property refers to the slope or angle of the land around your home. Ideally, the ground should slope away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling around your home. However, over time, the grade may become compromised due to soil erosion, settling, or landscaping changes. It’s essential to check the grade around your home in the spring and make any necessary adjustments. You can use soil to build up low areas or adjust landscaping to improve drainage.
Sump Pump
A sump pump is a vital component of your home’s basement waterproofing system. It collects water that has accumulated in a sump pit and pumps it away from your foundation, preventing water damage to your basement. However, if your sump pump isn’t working correctly, it can cause significant damage. In the spring, it’s essential to check your sump pump and ensure it’s working correctly. You can test it by pouring water into the sump pit and ensuring that the pump kicks on and pumps water away.
Basement
Finally, it’s essential to check your basement thoroughly in the spring. Look for any signs of water damage, such as dampness, mold, or mildew. Check for cracks in the foundation, as these can allow water to seep in. Ensure that any windows or vents are sealed correctly, and that there’s proper ventilation in the space. If you notice any problems, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spring is the perfect time to clean and check several areas outside your home. Gutters, window wells, grade drainage, sump pumps, and basements are all areas that require attention to prevent water damage and maintain your home’s integrity. By taking the time to go through your spring exterior checklist, inspect and clean these areas, you can ensure your home is in excellent condition and ready for the warmer weather ahead.
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