Spring Home Maintenance for Different Climates
May 04, 2023
It is the middle of the shoulder season of spring and a perfect time to address exterior home maintenance in preparation for the forthcoming summer season. Here in the northeast, as winter sheds its coat and spring blooms come forth, there are mixed weather conditions with heavy rains and cool temperatures as well as sunny clear warm days. With exterior home maintenance activities, most should be conducted in good weather conditions, so plan accordingly based on your local forecast.
There are some common spring season home maintenance tasks that are general to all climate zones, which include the following:
- Check your roof: Spring is a good time to inspect your roof for any damage or wear and tear. Look for missing or cracked shingles, damage to flashing, and signs of water damage or leakage.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water damage to your home. Clear out any leaves, debris, or other blockages, and make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.
- Check windows and doors: Inspect windows and doors for any cracks, gaps, or damage. Replace or repair any damaged weatherstripping or caulking to prevent drafts and improve energy efficiency.
- Pressure-wash exterior surfaces: Over time, dirt, grime, and mold can build up on exterior surfaces, making your home look dull and uninviting. Rent, buy, or group-share a pressure washer to clean your siding, deck, patio, and driveway.
- Inspect your HVAC system: Have your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system serviced by a professional. They can check for any damage or issues that may have developed over the winter months. Spring is the best time to service units before air-conditioning season starts so that you can avoid peak demand times of professionals (prices can increase and servicing can be delayed).
The nuances for exterior home maintenance across different climate zones are based on specific ranges of temperatures, precipitation, winds, moisture, and solar radiation. Because each climate location has unique conditions, it is important to consider some additional aspects of maintenance above and beyond the generalized list mentioned earlier. Based on each climate type, some additional guidance is offered:
Cold climate:
- Check your roof for additional damage: Heavy snow and ice can cause damage to your roof, such as leaks or ice dams. Check your roof for these signs of damage and repair any issues promptly.
- Trim trees and shrubs: Overhanging tree limbs and branches can break off and cause damage during and following winter storms. Trim trees and shrubs and clear any winter storm remnants around your home to prevent damage and to allow for spring and summer growth to fill in.
- Storm window removals: After the winter season has passed, consider the viability of removing storm windows as outdoor temperatures begin to get more comfortable. Replace storm windows with window screens to allow for natural ventilation in the summer.
Temperate climate:
- Check for mold and mildew: In a temperate climate, it's common for moisture to build up on exterior surfaces and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Inspect your siding, decks, and other exterior surfaces for signs of mold or mildew and clean it off as soon as possible to prevent damage.
- Paint or stain exterior surfaces: In a temperate climate, exterior surfaces can be exposed to a lot of sunlight, which can cause fading and damage over time. Protect your home's exterior by painting or staining it every few years. Check the condition each spring to plan appropriately for the job as spring is a great season to have the finishing completed before summer’s heat kicks in.
- Install window screens: Install window screens at all operable windows in your home to allow for natural cross-ventilation in the summer season.
Hot-arid climate:
- Check for sun damage: In a hot arid climate, the intense sunlight, even during winter, can cause damage to exterior surfaces over time. Spring is a great time to inspect your siding, roof, and other surfaces for signs of fading, cracking, or other damage.
- Check for pest infestations: In a hot arid climate, pests such as termites and scorpions can be a problem. Regularly inspect your home's exterior for signs of pest infestations and take steps to eliminate any pests you find.
- Use sunshades or awnings: In a hot arid climate, the sun can cause interior temperatures to rise quickly. Consider installing sunshades or awnings over windows and doors to help keep your home cool and reduce energy costs. These features should be designed with the appropriate sun-angles for your home’s specific latitude and longitude.
Hot-humid climate:
- Check for moisture damage: In a hot humid climate, excess moisture can build up on exterior surfaces and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Springtime provides an opportunity to inspect your siding, decks, and other exterior surfaces for signs of moisture damage, and clean it off as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
- Use mold and mildew-resistant materials: In a hot humid climate, it's important to use materials that are resistant to mold and mildew growth. Depending on the existing siding material of your home, if there is considerable mildew growth, you may want to replace the siding with a different material. Depending on your specific region, certain siding materials will be more sustainable and appropriate for the natural ecology. While vinyl and aluminum siding are often utilized in humid climates, these materials are high in embodied energy and not traditionally the healthiest in terms of chemical residuals and production. New forms of natural materials and water resistance applications are available on the market for you to consider.
- Use a dehumidifier: In a hot humid climate, it can be difficult to keep indoor humidity levels under control. Consider using a dehumidifier to help reduce indoor humidity levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.
If you are planning for any renovations upon inspecting your home during the spring maintenance efforts, reach out to AIDA, LLC today for a consultation. You can always find more information and healthy home resources at Aletheia Ida Design and Architecture, LLC (AIDA, LLC) at www.aletheiaida.com.