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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