Preparing Your House for Spring: Exterior Maintenance

Keeping your home in good condition is important, and what better time to do it than Spring when the weather if finally starting to warm up again.  Last week we discussed Spring Cleaning and interior maintenance; now we will focus on exterior home improvement at the Lake of the Ozarks.  It's a good idea to walk around the outside of your house each Spring to check for anything that needs repaired, especially after a rough winter.  Winter is tough on roofs and chimneys, as well as windows, walls, foundations and gutters.  Check out these tips on keeping the exterior of your home in tip-top shape and call All-Star Home Renovations with any maintenance issues you need help with.  

Examine Caulking
Walk around your house taking a close look at the caulking around all your windows and doors. Also, open your windows and check the weather stripping.  Replace old or cracking caulk and replace weather stripping.  A tight seal is the first line of defense against water and air; any leakage will let that hot summer air in and all your cool indoor air escape.  For help with window replacement at the Lake of the Ozarks, give All-Star Home Renovations a call.  

Clean Out Gutters
Clean out your gutters and downspouts.  Nature's debris can even be worse in the spring than the fall due to decomposed leaves, twigs, spring petals and seeds.  Consider adding extensions to your downspouts so the water drains at least 3 to 4 feet from your home's foundation.  

Repair Roof
Inspect the roof for missing or broken shingles or tiles.  Also check for any shifted shingles or nails that have popped out.  You don't need to climb up there yourself, risking a nasty fall.  You can probably spot trouble from the ground with a pair of binoculars.  Or call a roofing company, most will usually inspect your roof and give you an estimate for free.
 
Inspect Chimney

Check the joints between the bricks or stones to see if any have cracked, fallen out or have vegetation growing out.  All of these signal water infiltration.  Also look for any white calcium-like deposits which indicates that your joints are no longer repelling water, but absorbing it.  If you find any of these signs, consider resealing your chimney with a clear, water resistant material such as Thoroseal products.  Then call a chimney sweep to make sure that the chimney caps are in place and the damper is working properly. During the summer, you can close the damper to save energy and eliminate bad odors from seeping into your home.    

Scan Siding 
No matter what type of siding you have, check it out for trouble spots, especially under eaves and near the gutter downspouts.  Water stains typically mean that the gutters are not adequately containing the runoff.  If you have wood siding, be sure to check for any damages or openings that carpenter ants or woodpeckers could get nest in or burrow through.  If you find that it needs replaced, All-Star is here to help with your siding at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Pressure Washing
Pressure wash the exterior of your home to remove accumulated dirt, mold, stains and the like from the siding, deck, sidewalks, driveway and garage floor, fences, and lawn furniture.  Be careful not to get the windows because the pressure could scratch the glass or crack the caulking and never power wash the screens because you could damage the mesh.   Spring-clean your home's exterior

Repair Sidewalks and Driveways
Spring is the time to fix any breakdowns in concrete or asphalt before it worsens.  For surface cracks, chips or flaking in concrete, you can use cement repair products such as Quikrete to fix them yourself.  If the cracks are much deeper or the damage is to hard to fix yourself, call in a professional.  Asphalt is much more difficult and you should call a professional first thing.  To increase the longevity of your driveway and sidewalks, have your asphalt resealed every 2 to 5 years and concrete every 1 to 3 years.  
 
Prepare to Mow

Thoroughly rake your yard for any dead limbs that have fallen and any other debris that could get caught in your mower when the time comes to cut the grass.  Soil compaction and chemical change during the winter can leave your lawn vulnerable to weed growth; consider using an organic herbicide to prevent them from popping up when that warmer weather hits. Having a dull lawn mower blade tears grass instead of slicing it, leaving it vulnerable to disease, sun damage and insects.  A blade typically needs sharpened once or twice a year depending on the size of your yard.  You should also tune up your lawn mower after every 25 hours of use to increase its efficiency and reduce the emission of pollution.  Make sure that all your outdoor water systems such as faucets, pipes and sprinkler systems if you have them, are all in proper working condition.  

Spring maintenance is important for everyone, especially those thinking about putting their house on the market.  Your home goes through changes as it ages and climate conditions change.  Home buyers want to feel confident that everything has been well attended and taken care of before buying a home. And even if you aren't planning to sell, you will rest assured that your house is in good operating condition.  Now get to work so you can enjoy the warm weather that is to come!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
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Preparing Your House for Spring: Interior Cleaning

Spring is just around the corner!  Now is the time to spruce up those parts of your homes that have been neglected throughout the winter season.  From the interior to the exterior, getting your house ready for spring will ensure you'll be ready to enjoy that warm weather when it hits. All-Star Home Renovations is here to help with any tasks to large to do on your own.  Here are some things for you to tackle now to help prepare your home for the warmer months and keep it in top shape!

Spring Cleaning

Grab a bag, walk through your house and clean out the clutter!  Get rid of any items collecting dust and either donate it or toss it in the trash.  Once you have rid your home of all the junk, its time for some deep spring cleaning. Eliminate those cobwebs and dust that have built up over the past few months and get your home sparking clean again!

1. Open Windows
Opening your windows will help rid your home of toxins built up from cleaners, heating and cooking trapped inside during the colder winter months.  You will eliminate any of  the stale, stuffy air and that burst of sunlight will get you energized to start cleaning. Note that if you have allergies you will want to check your outdoor air ratings to avoid triggering or worsening any symptoms.

2. Washing Windows

By now, your windows are definitely overdue for some cleaning after just sitting there through the winter.  Before washing the glass, rid the sill and tracks of dirt and dust that they've collected.  Pour some water into the sill to make sure the weep holes that drain rain water outside aren't clogged.  You will be amazed at how much you can see out of your windows after a thorough inside and out cleaning. And don't forget the screens!  While you are cleaning, if you notice some maintenance issues, call the All-Star team for window replacement at the Lake of the Ozarks.

3. Test Emergency Systems
Make sure that your home alarm, smoke/fire alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide alarms are all working properly.  Most home owners forget to test these regularly; spring and fall maintenance time is the perfect opportunity to ensure everything is in good working condition.

4. Check HVAC Systems
The spring and fall are the two most important times to check your home's major heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, right before the harsh climate changes occur.  Clean or even replace your air filters and stock up on new filters if you use the disposable kind.  Make sure your air conditioner is working properly before the summer heat hits.  Air conditioners draw moisture from interior air, called condensate, which must run off outside. If sediment and algae clog the drains, water may back up, making your home more humid or creating water damage. If you need a professional to take a look at it, now is the time to do it; if you wait until summer, you will end up spending a lot more money on a service call.

5. Dusting
Clean off any areas that attract dust, such as the tops of cabinets and other furniture and don't forget the ceiling fans. The last thing you want to do is turn on the fans to watch a thick layer of dust being dispersed into the air your breathing.

6. Deep-Cleaning 
Carpets and Curtains are both huge dust collectors and require a deeper cleaning at least once a year. If you have pets, you should do some deep-cleaning more often.  Pull out your vacuum and start on the upholstery and draperies to remove any dust, pollen or dander that may have accumulated throughout the winter months.  If your drapes are heavy, you may want to store them and temporarily replace them with some lighter ones.  Then move on to tackle the carpeting and any large rugs.  If you have a steam cleaner, now is the time to drag it out of storage.  And if you don't, consider renting one.  Using a rug cleaner can help remove residual pet odors and dust mites that can cause allergic reactions and make your home smell less fresh.      

7. Clean Out Dryer Vent
Even if you empty out the lint trap each time you do a load of laundry, lint that you can't reach accumulates over time. Its especially likely if snow got in the way of the back-draft damper over the winter.  A clogged vent can not only reduce the efficiency of your dryer, but can also be a fire hazard, so be sure to clean it out thoroughly.

8. Prepare for Insects
Be more vigilant about storing and discarding food because the warmer weather that comes with Spring attracts more insects.  Follow these tips to help keep the bugs away: use airtight food containers, pick up pet food dishes immediately, always rinse bottles and containers before recycling, and make sure your trash can is still in good shape with a tightly-fitting lid.  You will also want to consider calling a pest control company to come spray your home to help keep the insects out.  

9. Clean Out Kitchen
Spring cleaning isn't all about your house, its also a time to look at yourself and your habits. Look in your cabinets and throw out that junk food!  Clean out and organize your refrigerator too. Try to find a way to add healthier foods to your diet.  Consider planting a garden this spring to grow your own vegetables.

10. Rearrange Furniture
Once your home is clean and de-cluttered.  Its time to rearrange the furniture to give your home a new feel. Start with the room you use the least, spin some beds around and add or remove some pieces of furniture. Then move on to the rest of the house from the living room to the office giving each room a refreshing look.

This week we focused on getting the interior of your home ready for Spring and next week we will provide you with tips for getting the exterior of your home ready for the warmer weather as well. Spring is nature’s fresh start – make it your fresh start too!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+