Tips for Homeowners Preparing for Spring and Summer
- Pet owners, do not forget the tick, and heart worm medicine. Lyme disease can affect the skin, nervous system, heart and joints. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
- Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs, except pool decks, should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
- Avoid watering your plants at midday. This is when the sun is the strongest and will evaporate faster, leaving your plants still needing water and having to use twice as much water. Stick to watering when it is cooler outside, morning or evening.
- Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
- By now your windows – inside and out could use a cleaning. Clean off ceiling fans, and clean out fireplaces from use over the winter. Test your emergency systems in your home: home alarm, smoke fire alarm, fire extinguisher, and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working properly. Most home owners forget to test these regularly; fall and spring maintenance time is a perfect opportunity to ensure they’re in good working order.