Happy first day of spring, Northern Colorado! With warmer temps and more hours of daylight, it’s a great time to tackle home maintenance projects – inside and out.
Follow these basic tips for a more functional, safe and healthy home.
INTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE
Windows
Older single-pane windows are prone to accumulating moisture on the interior glass. Much like the outside of an icy drink in summer, condensation can drip down the window and sit on the sill. Clean any water stains, then properly glaze or caulk windows to prevent water from rotting the sill and getting into the wall where it can wreak unseen damage.
Doors
Settling of your house can happen in Colorado. If your door has shifted slightly after settling this spring, remove the strike plate from the wall with a screwdriver and adjust its positioning with the frame so it closes smoothly. Tighten door knobs, replace worn weather stripping and adjust exterior door thresholds as needed to maintain a good seal. Schedule annual maintenance of your garage door system by a professional garage door company.
Hardwood Flooring
Vacuum or sweep your floors frequently and use only those cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. When spring cleaning your hardwoods, carefully move all furniture and rugs aside for a thorough job. Expansion and contraction of wood is normal as the seasons change in Colorado. Consider using a humidifier during heating months to reduce wood drying and shrinkage.
Natural Stone
A warm spring day is the perfect time to open windows and seal natural stone and concrete countertops. To protect natural stone surfaces – including, but not limited to granite, slate, marble, limestone, travertine and soapstone – clean and seal exactly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Caulking and Grout
Remove and replace caulk that has separated from around tubs, showers, sinks, countertops and toilets. Re-seal your tile grout.
Indoor Plumbing
Periodically run water and flush toilets that don’t get used often, such as those in guest bathrooms. If you have a water softener, check it monthly, add salt if needed, and schedule annual cleaning and maintenance. If you have a whole-house water filtration system, change sediment filters every 3 – 6 months, carbon filters every 6 – 12 months, and membrane filters every 12 – 36 months (depending on usage). To prolong the life of your water heater, test its pressure relief valve, flush the unit and remove sediment at least once a year.
HVAC
Consider an annual spring tune-up to keep your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system working efficiently.
When it comes to your system’s filter, the EPA’s Energy Star program recommends checking it every month during summer and winter. If the filter looks dirty, change it. At minimum, replace the filter every three months. Many HVAC service technicians cite regular filter replacement as the single most effective way to maximize efficiency and increase the lifespan of your system.
Sealing and insulating ducts can also improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system – by as much as 20 percent. If you have a furnace-mounted, whole-house humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance to avoid potential mold and mineral deposit build-up.
Well Water
If your home is on well water versus municipal water, be sure to have your indoor tap water tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates and other contaminants. This can be done through Larimer County Environmental Health Services and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado State University Extension provides a handout with great tips for protecting your well water and keeping it safe to drink.
Vents
Clean your bathroom vents to ensure top performance. To prevent dryer vent fires, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends having your dryer vent cleaned by a professional, especially if clothes take longer than normal to dry. At a minimum, clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load of laundry. And make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.
Detectors and Extinguishers
Periodically press the test button on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working. To be safe, change your detector batteries every six months. Make sure your fire extinguisher is accessible, has adequate pressure, and you know how to use it in case of emergency.
Light Bulbs
This spring, consider replacing any remaining incandescent bulbs in your home with energy-efficient LEDs. Use appropriate light bulb types and wattages rated for your fixtures. Never touch a new halogen bulb with your bare hands. The oil from your fingers can dramatically shorten the life of these bulbs.
Attic
Spring is when many animals build nests, or migrate back to their favorite roosts, in Colorado. It’s also when over-wintering insects literally come out of the woodwork. Pests are attracted to the warmth and shelter of houses – especially dark, low-traffic areas like an unfinished attic. It’s a good idea to inspect your attic in early spring before pest populations multiply. Be sure to wear personal protective equipment and proper clothing as you look, listen and smell for signs of unwelcome bugs and wildlife. Address any issues immediately. If this task makes you uncomfortable, hire a professional pest control company for inspection, extermination, or live trapping and relocation services.
Seasonal rain showers also make spring a good time to check for water leaks in the attic. Be on the lookout for wet spots and water staining, and for less-obvious signs such as rusted nails and mineral deposits. The most likely spots for leaks are near windows, under roof valleys, around vents, and next to chimneys or exhaust pipes that penetrate the roof.
Basement or Crawl Space
Similar to an attic, critters and water like to penetrate basements and crawl spaces. Follow the same guidance for pests provided above. When it comes to detecting possible water leaks, walk (or crawl) the perimeter of the space looking for signs of moisture. Your eyes, fingers and nose will all come in handy for this inspection. Look for actively wet areas, as well as signs of previous water entry in the form of staining or mineral deposits. Corners, windows, and the walls near exterior downspouts are the most common areas for water to come in. Feel the walls and floors for moisture and soft spots. A musty smell indicates a lack of air flow and possible mold, which should be professionally remediated.
Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, test it by filling the pit with a hose until the float is raised.
EXTERIOR HOME MAINTENANCE
We’re still in for some snow and cold weather in Colorado, so we think it’s wise to tackle most exterior maintenance tasks after the last hard freeze, usually sometime in May.
Windows
As we mentioned earlier, older single-pane windows lack tight seals and are often leaky. To seal up leaks and prevent water damage, make sure windows are properly glazed, caulked, and painted on the exterior, too. This spring, you might ask yourself if it’s time to replace old windows for more energy-efficient options.
Air Conditioner
Clean the exterior of your outdoor air conditioning unit by removing debris that may have settled on or around the equipment. Leave any work on the interior of the unit to an HVAC professional. A spring tune-up will identify any issues ahead of summer, and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
Paint and Stain
Ensure that exterior paint coverage on your home’s siding and trim is in good shape, and seams are properly caulked. Look for cracked or peeling paint. An isolated issue can most likely be scraped and repainted, but if the same issue is found in multiple spots, it may be time to repaint the entire exterior.
Wood decks, fences, pergolas and outbuildings will require re-staining or painting over time to protect structural integrity. If roof jacks (pipes coming out of the roof) are painted, they may need touching up every 1 – 2 years. Remember to label your paint and stain, and store them in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place.
Stucco
Minor cracking in stucco is the result of expansion and contraction of the materials, and is normal in Colorado. These cracks don’t necessarily indicate a structural problem or poor workmanship. Cracks larger than the width of a credit card, however, warrant repair. Expert Bob Vila offers tips for cleaning and repairing outdoor stucco in “How To: Maintain Stucco.”
Landscape Drainage
Inspect landscaping near the house every spring. Don’t allow landscaping to build up higher than your foundation waterproofing or allow water to pool or flow near the house. Soil should be graded to allow for drainage away from your home’s foundation (more on this in a minute). It’s important that newly graded areas be properly landscaped within 1 – 2 months to preserve the grade and prevent erosion. Failure to do so may result in serious water damage to your home.
Concrete Flatwork and Foundation
Spring is the most common time of year for foundation leaks to occur in Colorado. Snow melt and spring rains team up to test your home. In addition to properly grading soil to drain away from your home, make sure downspouts extend at least four feet from your exterior walls. If water is pooling within four feet of the foundation, adjust your drainage.
Some slight cracking and settling of concrete is normal. Cracks 1/8-inch wide or larger in concrete should be sealed as soon as they are noticed. Large foundation cracks and bulging walls might indicate a serious structural problem. These warrant professional evaluation and repair.
Don’t apply salt or other harsh chemicals to concrete driveways, sidewalks, patios or other flatwork. Salt and chemical de-icers erode the surface of concrete, leading to serious damage known as spalling. To create traction on slippery walkways, try using sand instead. Decorative stamped, stained or epoxy concrete may require periodic resurfacing.
Gutters
Watch your gutters for ice damming in the spring when Colorado often experiences daily freeze-thaw cycles. During cold weather with heavy snow, use a special roof rake to pull snow off the eaves in areas where ice tends to accumulate. Make a mental note of the trouble spots. When the weather improves, consider installing heat cables in areas of concern.
Check gutters and downspouts every 1 – 2 months so they remain clear of debris and are in good working condition all year long. Clogged gutters can lead to mold, grade erosion, foundation issues and other problems. Be sure that downspouts are connected properly and direct water away from the foundation and foot traffic areas.
Roof
While you’re up on the ladder for your gutters, inspect your roof for any damage or wear. Be on the lookout for shingles that are starting to curl, warp or peel away from the underlayment, or tiles that are broken.
Pay special attention to the areas where things protrude through the roof such as chimneys, roof jacks, vent pipes and where satellites attach. During the winter, colder temperatures can cause sealant materials to contract, making it possible for water to invade your home. Make sure the caulk or silicone used around any flashing is firmly attached and still pliable. If it’s brittle, cracked or peeling it should be replaced. If being on a ladder or rooftop makes you uncomfortable, seek professional help for these tasks.
Septic
If your home is on septic, have your system professionally inspected and your vault pumped regularly. The EPA offers good advice for how to care for your septic system, including proper disposal of waste and how to maintain your drain field.
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When diving into home maintenance projects this spring, always follow manufacturer recommendations for each product, material, finish and appliance used in your home.
It’s important to note that neglecting standard maintenance may void certain warranties. It can also result in unnecessary wear and tear on your home, poor air and water quality, reduced energy efficiency, and costly repairs down the road. If you identify any interior or exterior home issue or repair that’s beyond your skill set, call a professional contractor with questions, or schedule an appointment for a more in-depth inspection of a problem area.
If you need professional help with window or door replacement, fixing foundation cracks or other large-scale home repairs, don’t hesitate to contact HighCraft Builders for a free consultation. Our team of home remodeling contractors is here to help.
