April Home Maintenance Checklist
April 25, 2017
April is the perfect time to channel that burst of spring energy into important home maintenance to dos to make sure your home is ready for warm weather! Here’s a checklist with projects you can tackle yourself or hire a pro to do.
Replace the Air Conditioner Filter
It’s important to replace the return air filter on your central heating and cooling system every one-to-three months. A quality air filter, rated to remove particles like dust, mold and pollen, will improve the air quality in your home. Be sure to write the current date on the new air filter so you know when to do it again!
Inspect Your Roof
Always be alert to early signs of a roof leak. Shingles that turn up or down can make your roof susceptible to leakage. For any fixes, call a minimum of three roofers before committing to one for repairs. You’ll learn more in the process and end up with a better deal. For a quick look at potential repair costs for things like replacing shingles to replacing flashing, click here.
Clean and Repair Gutters and Downspouts
It’s important to clean and repair your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage to your home. If you do it yourself, Today’s Homeowner offers up these handy tips and tutorials on cleaning gutters, unclogging downspouts and fixing sagging gutters.
If you don’t have time to DIY, finding a licensed gutter cleaning and repair service can make the job a lot easier.
Inspect and Repair Animal Damage
Winter and early spring are peak seasons for animals to make dens and nests to raise their young in the comfort of your home! The usual animal suspects include squirrels, mice, rats and raccoons. If you suspect animals are nesting in your home, call a wildlife and squirrel removal service then seal up any openings and replace and cover damaged attic and soffit vents.
Check Attic Vents and Power Vent Fans
April is also a good time to inspect your attic vents — before the outside air temperatures pass 90 degrees! Make sure vents are unobstructed, that the screens are in good repair and that the motors on power vents work properly
When vents become clogged or fans stop working, summer heat gets trapped in your attic and can cause your air conditioner to work harder and damage your roof shingles by overheating.
Planting and Pruning
Shrubs and landscaping guard against soil erosion and should be planted so water will flow away from the house. Pruning can prevent rodents and insects from using overhanging branches as a highway into your home and April is a perfect time to get out your shears and saws and do a little trimming!
Windows and Doors
The DIY Network offers four tips on inspecting and sealing windows and doors, including checking for drafts, examining putty and caulk lines and replacing both glazing and caulk.
Seal the Concrete
Most of us put off inspecting and sealing walkways and driveways until fall, but April is an ideal time to do it. This video walks you through power-washing and sealing concrete all around your home.
Inspect Brickwork
If your brick façade is dotted with efflorescence, those unsightly white deposits caused by soluble salts left behind during water evaporation, the Brick Industry Association recommends dry brushing in warm, dry weather to remove it. If you discover water penetration into the brick, consider sealing it with an appropriate sealant.
April in Southshore
Spring is in bloom in the lakeside master-planned community of Southshore where ranch and two-story designs are available from Colorado’s top home builders. Tour the beautiful models from William Lyon Homes, the brand new Delaney model from Richmond American Homes and Century Communities latest home designs at The Hills in Southshore! Priced from the high $300s to the $700s.