Cleaning the Gutters is Part of Spring Home Maintenance
The guttering on your home is an essential system that funnels water off of the roof and away from the foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to leaks, basement flooding, damage to the roofing materials, and mold or mildew growth.
Have a friend or family member assist you. Using a ladder to access the gutters, wear sturdy gloves to scoop leaves, twigs, and other debris out of the channels. After removing organic materials, flush the guttering system with a garden hose. Check to verify water is flowing freely out of each downspout.
If your home is surrounded by trees, you may need to clean the gutters frequently. Consider hiring a company to install gutter guards to keep much of the debris from collecting in your gutters.
Pressure Wash the Siding
If you don’t own a pressure washer, rent one. You can use it to clean grime, mildew, and dirt from your home’s siding, decks, and patios. Take care when using the machine because too much pressure may damage vinyl siding or crack windows. If you don’t feel confident using a pressure washer, hire a professional to do the job for you.
While you have access to a pressure washer, use it to clean sidewalks, the front steps, your driveway, and the backyard deck. Pressure washing easily removes dirt, debris, and stains to boost curb appeal and make your property look updated and clean.
Improve the Backyard Deck
If your backyard deck has seen better days, spend a weekend making repairs and getting it ready for summertime use. After cleaning the deck, inspect the decking boards. Remove and replace any boards that are damaged, broken, or rotting. Sand the surface before staining or sealing to help protect the boards.
Check the railing around the deck to verify it is stable and sturdy. Test the balusters to make sure they are securely fastened in place. Sand any splintering areas or rough spots and reseal the wood.
Add lighting to boost safety on your deck. Floodlights will illuminate the entire space or you may prefer to hang string lights for ambiance. Use paraffin-burning torches with citronella fuel to repel mosquitoes and install recessed lighting into the deck’s stairs to keep everyone safer when using the steps.
Encompass Home Inspection Service offers inspection services to New Jersey. Contact us to request an appointment.