If you’re like most homeowners in the Omaha area, you’re already waiting for the chill of winter to fade and for the first few warm days of the year. You probably have visions of getting your garden going again, seeing your yard return to green, and maybe even thinking ahead to summer barbeques or backyard get-togethers. 

To ensure you and your family are ready to enjoy those first days of spring, it’s important that you have a plan for preparing your home’s exterior and outdoor areas ahead of time. Here are some of the first things you should have on your to-do list.

Pressure Wash Your Exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your home affects its appearance and can also prolong the lifespan of siding or paint. A pressure washer is the perfect took to make quick work of removing mildew, mold, dirt, and other substances from your home’s exterior. If you don’t own a pressure washer or don’t want to buy one, you can rent them. Just be careful if you’re washing delicate surfaces like wood as too much pressure can cause damage. Make sure you do research or ask questions to see what the most appropriate nozzle is for your home’s exterior.

Check and Maintain Your Lawn and Landscaping

Up your curb appeal and your family’s enjoyment of your outdoor areas by making sure your lawn and landscaping are well-maintained and healthy. Now is the time to rake up any debris or leaves from your garden beds and lawn and inspect the area for any signs of damage like bare patches. You should also prune overgrown or dead trees, shrubs, or bushes to help them grow and consider adding some mulch to your flower beds as this will help keep weeds at bay, retain moisture, and make the area look neat and tidy.

Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from water damage by directing rainwater away from your foundation. Over the winter months, debris like leaves, twigs, and even ice can accumulate in your gutters, leading to blockages. The first step in your spring exterior maintenance should be to inspect and clean your gutters and downspouts. If you plan to do this yourself, use a ladder and make sure you have someone standing underneath to help stabilize it. You can flush out debris with a hose and then check for leaks, sags, or any other damage that will need to be repaired. 

Clean Windows and Doors

The winter months can be tough on doors and windows and they can look grimy by the time spring rolls around. One of your to-do items should be washing windows with a squeegee or microfiber cloth and removing debris from windowsills and tracks. You should also wipe down the surfaces and hinges of your doors. Add lubricant to areas that need it and check to make sure stripping and seals are intact and in good shape.

Touch Up Paint and Repair Siding

Your home’s exterior paint does more than just make your house look good; it also protects your siding from the elements. Over time, paint can chip, fade, or peel due to exposure to harsh weather conditions. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your paint job and make any necessary repairs before the summer sun intensifies.

Check for paint damage and touch up any spots with fresh paint. If you have damaged siding, you can try to make repairs yourself or call in an expert like those at HomeWise Roofing & Exteriors to give advice on whether you can repair the damage or should look at a siding replacement. 

Inspect and Maintain the Roof

Your roof keeps your home and family safe and is one of your first line of defense against the elements. It’s important to inspect it in the spring to identify damage before it compromises your roof and leads to major repairs or a replacement. Check for any damaged or missing shingles, look for signs of wear around the chimney and flashing, and look for signs of leaks. If your roof is damaged, it’s time to call in a repair company. 

Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home’s exterior and get it ready for the warmer months. By inspecting key areas like your gutters, windows, siding, and lawn, and performing some essential maintenance tasks, you can ensure that your home is ready for the warmer months. Need help with any exterior issues? The team at HomeWise would be happy to help!