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Too often spring cleaning happens inside the home and ignores the exterior. We compiled this spring home maintenance checklist for important exterior items –  so you don’t forget. Not only will regular exterior maintenance lengthen the life of your home, but it will also save you money in the long run. Check out these 7 exterior tasks you should add to your spring home maintenance checklist immediately.

Main benefits of preventative maintenance

• You avoid larger, unexpected repairs with regular maintenance
• It’s easier to budget for annual maintenance than an unexpected repair
• A well-maintained home is at less risk for emergencies like a fire
• Your home will maintain its value better if all systems are in pristine condition

1. Inspect your roof for damage.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense – but it can take a beating during winter. Get out a pair of binoculars, or even just zoom in using your phone’s camera to inspect the roof. Look for cracks, buckles, or loose shingles. If you spot any damage, call in a professional to take a closer look.

Home Advisor says, “Most common small roof repairs should cost between $150 and $400 with labor being around $45 to $75 an hour.”

2. Clean your gutters.

Gutters are vital tools for preventing water damage in and around your home. However, gutters are easily clogged with debris and can become loose or develop leaks. Dedicate a spring afternoon to cleaning all of the debris out of your gutters and checking for these signs of damage.

Also, make sure any downspouts still drain away from your home. You don’t want April showers to puddle around the foundation of your home.

3. Clean your chimney.

Does your home have a chimney? Build-ups of ash and carbon residue in wood-burning fireplaces must be cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning them will protect your home from fire and carbon monoxide leaks. We don’t recommend DIYing your chimney cleaning. Instead, hire a certified chimney sweep. Level one inspections by chimney sweeps are the most basic cleaning service available. The average cost for basic cleaning and inspection ranges from $100-$300.

4. Fill or patch any concrete or asphalt cracks.

Pennsylvania may be known for our potholes, but our public roads aren’t the only surfaces that crack under winter storms. Any exterior concrete slabs or asphalt around your home can easily develop cracks as well. Small cracks in concrete can be fixed with basic filler or caulk, but we recommend calling in professionals for extensive damage to concrete and any damage to asphalt.

5. Service your HVAC machine.

A clean, well-functioning HVAC machine will keep your energy bills low and your home comfortable. Get a technician out to service your unit each spring.  Yearly tune-ups average less than $100, and will give you peace of mind during the months where you’ll need the unit daily.

In addition to basic service, clear any debris away from the machine. Maintain two feet of clearance around the machine at all times. That may mean cutting back plants if they grow too close.

6. Patch torn window screens.

If you ever want to open your windows in the coming months, you’ll need screens that are clean and effective. Inspect all of your window screens. If they are dirty, you can wash them with soap and water. If they have a small hole, you can buy a patch kit at a local home improvement store. Bugs can find their way in even the smallest of holes! If the screen is loose or too damaged, you may need to replace it.

7. Re-caulk old window and/or door seals.

Look at all the exterior seals in your home, including every window and door. If you notice any gaps in the seams, you need to buy some caulk to reseal them. Proper seals mean much more effective heating and cooling in your home. Luckily this is an easy DIY project! If you want even more protection, look into installing weather stripping hardware.