Prevention chore list as spring arrives can be important advance work for home, garage and limited budget

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By DEBORAH BROTZ

HOME & GARAGE

Gutters and Downspouts

• Remove debris from gutters and downspouts and patch any holes. Make sure the downspouts direct water at least 5 feet away from your foundation walls.

• Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house.

• Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.

Windows and Doors

• Inspect/replace caulk on windows, doors, and other penetrations, such as dryer vents and cable wire holes.

• Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in.

• Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year.

• Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint.

• Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware.

• Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed to flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened.

• Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.

Furnace

• Replace or clean your furnace filter. It should be checked once a month and replaced or cleaned as needed.

• Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.

Hot Water Heater

• Check your water heater. If you have a gas-fired water heater, make sure it is venting properly.

• Check around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced.

Plumbing

• Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function.

• Know the location of all valves and what equipment and water lines they serve.

Siding, Fascia and Trim

• Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure.

• Examine fascia or soffit boards. Replace if they are soft or rotting because they may allow rain in your attic.

Foundation

• Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving or deterioration.

Roof

• Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.

• Inspect the roof for damaged, loose or blistered shingles.

LAWN & GARDEN

Lawn Care

• It is important that you wait until the soil temperatures rise and you get some growth before attempting any renovation program on your lawn.

• Rake to remove leaves and to control thatch.

• If you have a moss problem, apply a product called lawn sand to your lawn.

• Aerate your lawn in the spring to help encourage root growth, relieve compaction, and dry out any wet areas on the lawn.

• If your lawn is riddled with bare patches due to dog spots, heavy traffic or neglect, apply grass seed to fill in those bare patches. The solution is called “over seeding.”

• Lawns can be fertilized organically by using compost and mulching mowers or with chemical fertilizers.

Trees & Shrubs

• Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures.

• Clean up fallen limbs, branches and other debris around the home to discourage the proliferation of wood-eating insects such as termites.

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