Spring cleaning usually involves areas inside your home, but it’s important not to neglect your property’s exterior. After the ravages of winter weather, there may be some structural issues you need to deal with — and spring is the perfect time of year to get stuck in.
Before the warmer months arrive, there are a few checks and fixes you should perform to ensure the exterior of your home is in the best possible state of repair.
1. Clean the windows
You might have a window cleaner to do this for you, but if you don’t it’s important to know the best techniques. This isn’t rocket science; just fill a bucket with warm water a little dish-washing detergent and a splash of white vinegar. Apply the solution liberally with a microfiber cloth, and clear it away with a squeegee. If you notice streaks, you should be able to remove them with some paper towels.
2. Unblock air bricks and vents
Take a look around the bottom of your home, and you should see either vents or air bricks. These are essential to many homes, as they’re designed to allow air to circulate — preventing mould growth and damp. Occasionally, however, they can get clogged up with leaves and general debris. Use twigs or something thin like a pencil to pick out the debris.
3. Clean the gutters
When was the last time you checked your gutters? They’re designed to take water away from your home, but if they’re blocked or damaged, they could actually be doing the opposite. Following all of the safety procedures and ensuring you have someone to hold the ladder, climb up to your drain to look for blockages and damage. If water ends up running down your walls, it could cause catastrophic damage — so call out the professionals if anything looks untoward.
4. Inspect the roof
The winter weather can play havoc with tiles or slates, so it’s a good idea to check your roof for damage. If you have a sloped roof, you should be able to perform a visual check from the ground. If you’re in any doubt, it might be worth calling in a team of roofing specialists for a no-obligation check.
5. Check storm drains
There could be several storm drains on your property, which are designed to take rainwater away from your home. You will definitely have one where each section of guttering opens up, so check them for blockages and damage. If these drains can’t do their job properly, your house could end up flooded the next time there’s a big downpour.
6. Check siding
Check the siding on your house for damage, mould, moss and general debris. Siding can be made from wood, but it’s usually made from uPVC these days. You may also find loose panels, which should be replaced as soon as possible.
7. Paint and protect
Spring is a great time to get the paint out to touch up those areas that have become worn or damaged as a result of the winter weather. Check siding, door frames, outdoor structures and any painted surface outside your home. Of you need to protect wood or brick from the elements, do so with the appropriate products.
8. Check heating and cooling systems
If you have heating or cooling systems that take air from outside, you’ll have equipment attached to the exterior of your property. Visually check for damage, and give casing a thorough clean. This is also a good time to replace HVAC filters.
Remember: spring cleaning isn’t just for indoors, it’s for your whole home!