Spring is a great time to tend to those home maintenance jobs you’ve let slide during the winter months. 

Tackling these jobs now will mean that your summer is free for you to enjoy, and your home revitalised after enduring the winter elements.

Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets. Avoid unnecessarily devaluing it by making time for maintenance.

Here, we discuss 8 must-do tasks that, if left unattended, can cause lasting damage, which, unfortunately, can be costly to repair!

Inspect Your Roof

Spring is a great time to give your roof a once over. But please remember, safety must come first if you are operating at a height.

• Make sure your ladder is stable
• Look for loose or damaged tiles or panels

Contact a professional if you discover any issues. Roofing is a specialist job that involves a lot of risks. We suggest you don’t attempt a DIY fix unless you are a skilled tradesperson with the necessary safety equipment.

Likely, your only roof issues will be a build-up of lichen, pollen, dust, and other environmental debris – nothing a good wash won’t fix! If left to build up year on year, dust and debris will eventually impact your roof’s integrity and could mean that you are forced to replace it sooner than you would like. An annual wash will ensure you get the most out of your roof materials.

Clear the Gutters

Left unchecked, blocked or broken gutters and downpipes can lead to leaks within your home. The damage and cost of repair can be devastating! You can safeguard your home against the risk by tending to gutter maintenance annually.

• Clear all debris and leaves from gutters and downpipes
• Reattach any loose or sagging fittings
• Fix holes

While some fixes are quick and easy, it can be better to invest in replacements. A small outlay now could save you in the long run!

Water Blast Concrete and Paved Areas

This is especially critical if these areas of your garden have been in the shade most of the winter. A build-up of moss and lichen has likely left them as a slip hazard. A good water blasting will help to shift the residue.

If you are dealing with tiles and pavers, check the manufacturer’s instructions before hitting the switch on your water blaster. In some cases, a strong yard broom and a hose are all you need.

Deck Inspection

Check your deck for warping, rusty nails, and loose boards. Run your eye over stairs and railings to ensure that everything is secure and replace any rotting boards.

If you are lucky, your deck will have survived another winter and require a good cleaning only.

Wash and Inspect Windows

Much like your roof, your windows will likely be covered in a build-up of dust, pollen and other environmental debris and require a good clean.

Before you begin, take the time to inspect the joinery, woodwork and seals around your windows and carry out any necessary repairs. Left unattended, this could leave your home vulnerable to costly damage.

Repair and Reseal Woodwork

Rails, fences, trellises, and other wood features need some love, too; these structures are prone to decay and rot if left alone.

Use a pressure washer to revitalise tired wood, apply any oils, stains or treatment to protect against water damage, and preserve and prolong its life.

Spray for Pests and Bugs

Spring is the time to carry out pest and bug prevention treatments at your home. Bug and pest infestations can wreak havoc in our homes and quickly become a huge problem. A few simple preventative measures will save you a big headache down the track!

These measures include:

• Spray the exterior to prevent flies and ants from visiting your home
• Bomb for cockroaches and fleas
• Clear wasp nests
• Rodent proof

Garden Clear Out

Spring is an excellent time to get into your garden to remove any plants that didn’t survive the winter. Take the opportunity to trim and tidy edges, weed, and replenish garden beds with fresh soil and mulch. A good garden clear-out and a mulching session will ensure that your soil’s nutrients are directed toward plant growth instead of feeding the weeds. Failure to remove the early signs of weeds at this time of the year will result in a garden takeover that can occur overnight!