Spruce Up for Spring Safety

Winter can be tough on your home. Consider adding these tasks to your spring to-do list while you’re cleaning out the closets.

Spring is a great time to catch up on home maintenance. Small repairs can save you money and headaches down the road.

Inspect your roof
Look for damaged shingles or tiles, and have them replaced. Don’t miss the base of the chimney. Repair any cracks to prevent water damage from leaks.

Trim your trees
Prune tree limbs regularly to keep them away from your home, decks and outbuildings in case strong winds or precipitation cause them to break. If a tree is too close to your home, consider having it removed.

Clean out your gutters
Remove leaves, sticks and other debris so spring showers can flow freely. Make sure gutters are secure and downspouts drain away from your foundation. If possible, extend the bottom of the downspout away from your home by at least six feet.

Test wood for water damage
Make sure wood on your home is not soft when you press it. It isn’t just exposed wood that is at risk. Even vinyl- or aluminum-sided homes have wooden framing and trim. Repair or replace soft wood as needed.

Check for appliance leaks
Look for signs of leakage around your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater and other appliances that use water. Consider installing water sensors near appliances and in areas that could leak or flood. They can alert you, through an alarm or mobile app, when water touches them. Even small leaks can lead to major damage.

Clean your dryer vent
Nearly 3,000 home dryer fires happen every year according to the U.S. Fire Administration, causing $35 million in property loss annually. Cleaning dryer vents could prevent about a third of those fires. Make sure to clean your lint trap after every use.