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Spring Maintenance Tips

Submitted by TimothyPope on Sun, 03/21/2010 - 14:51.

Clean gutters and downspouts- A properly functioning gutter system is extremely important in channeling water from the roof to the ground. Clogged gutters can lead to siding and fascia board damage when water overflows. Clean all leaves and debris out of the gutters and downspouts. You can do this by hand or there are some products designed to attach to leaf blowers to help access and clean them. Add downspout extensions and/or splash blocks to direct water away from the foundation.
Correct grading issues- Ideally, the soil around your home should have a gentle slope away from the foundation. This can help reduce areas where water ponds next to the structure, possibly resulting in foundation damage or mosquito nesting. Check for locations where erosion has taken place and fill with dirt and plant grass or other vegetation to hold the soil in place.
Air conditioning maintenance- Keep trees, bushes, and other vegetation trimmed at least two feet away from the sides and top of the condensing unit. Check for bent or damaged coil fins. Condensation drain lines that terminate outside should be directed away from the foundation. These drain lines can sometimes become clogged with algae growth. If this happens, the drain may back up and leak inside your home. When accessible, an air compressor or drain snake may be able to free the clog. A diluted bleach mixture poured in the drain line may also help prevent future blockage. Replace filters, and vacuum out returns chases and grilles.
Lawn sprinkler system- To conserve water, verify all sprinkler heads are adjusted properly to avoid spraying onto driveways, sidewalks, and against walls, fencing, and air conditioning units. If your sprinkler system is equipped with a rain sensor, make sure it is turned on and working. This will prevent over watering your lawn after rain showers.

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