Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys tackling the maintenance tasks that are often associated with the burgeoning springtime. These seasonal chores can be time-consuming and often aren’t nearly as fun as getting outdoors and exploring the mountains. However, running through this checklist of spring maintenance tips can not only protect your home investment, it may even save you money in the end.

In this article, we’re going to outline some of the fundamental spring maintenance tasks that should be performed annually. Once your home is ready for the upcoming seasons, you’ll be able to enjoy spring and summer to the fullest. 

1. Inspect for Signs of Winter Damage 

A thorough inspection of a home’s exterior can provide a lot of insightful information for homeowners. Heavy snowfall can result in damage to the roof, as well as cracks in the foundation due to the cycle of melting and refreezing. Inspections can catch issues before they result in costly emergencies. 

You can opt to hire a professional to inspect your home or you can perform a once-over yourself. Take the time to walk around the entire perimeter of the house and look for damage or signs of wear and tear that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Missing roof shingles, peeling paint, and cracks in the stucco can all be signs that repair projects are required. 

2. Clean Out the Garage

Whether you’re looking to completely redo your garage or simply clear out some space to store accumulated ski gear, decluttering the garage as part of spring cleaning is on top of many homeowner lists. Better yet, you can set up a garage sale and make some cash from items that have gone unused and are gathering dust. 

3. Check for Wood Rot

Winter is particularly difficult on wooden decks and patios. During the springtime inspection, any signs of peeling, warping, or chipped paint can be cause for a closer look. The areas of your home that stay exposed to the elements all year round may require treatment and sealant to increase their lifespan. It becomes a safety hazard if stairs and railings are damaged, as the likelihood of someone falling is increased. 

4. Break Out the Pressure Washer 

Pressure washing your home isn’t just good for aesthetics, though it can certainly freshen up the exterior and remove built-up dirt and grime that has accumulated during the winter months. It’s also a great way to uncover signs of possible damage by removing loose paint and mildew, which provides a clearer picture of what’s going on. 

If you don’t already own a pressure washer and don’t want to invest in a new one, you can always rent one for the weekend. This provides you with the tools and time necessary to do an effective job. Once or twice a year is an acceptable interval for washing a home and allows your investment to shine and uphold its curb appeal. 

5. Prevent and Remove Pests 

During the winter months, rodents and other unwanted pests desperately seek shelter to stay warm. Unfortunately, this shelter may be your home. Once all the ice has thawed and the snow has cleared, have a pest control professional come out and do a once-over. If they see any cracks or crevasses in the foundation or siding, they can fill the holes and spray for a variety of insects as well. Ants are especially prone to invading during the springtime. For a DIY project, homeowners can grab a caulk gun and fill any cracks around the house themselves.

6. Schedule an HVAC Service Appointment 

After running the heat all winter, it’s important to have your heating and cooling system checked by a professional before firing up the AC on an unusually hot Denver day. A typical inspection can cost between $75-$150. The springtime often equates to a full schedule for HVAC professionals but not nearly as busy as they can get during the summer. Some heating systems need to be shut down before they undergo a period of disuse.

7. Flush the Water Heater

It’s never a bad idea to check the plumbing system after winter is over. This is especially true if you’ve noticed any leaks or maintenance problems that need immediate attention. Signs of a leaking system include water stains on the ceiling and incessantly dripping faucets. Experts recommend flushing the water heater at least once per year and springtime is as good a time as any to do so. Colorado is known to have hard water, which can cause sediment buildup. This can be avoided by descaling your tankless hot water heaters annually. 

8. Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Batteries for a home’s smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors generally need to be replaced every six months. Springtime can provide a reminder to complete this safety task, as many Denver homeowners are participating in a range of interior and exterior maintenance and preventative projects anyway. Once the batteries are changed during the spring, make a mental note to check them again once fall rolls around.

Regardless of whether or not the devices are functioning properly, manufacturer guidelines recommend replacing the alarms once a decade. If it’s been well over 10 years, consider purchasing a replacement before the sensors inevitably wear out. 

9. Clean Out the Gutters

Grabbing a ladder and cleaning the gutters isn’t anybody’s idea of a good time. However, this task should be performed twice a year, at least. Allowing gutters and downspouts to go neglected can result in water damage and an expensive repair bill. Clear out all debris from the gutters and consider adding guards to make ongoing maintenance easier. 

The expert rule of thumb is to make sure all the gutter downspouts are facing down and releasing water at least 5-10 feet away from the home’s foundation. This can reduce the likelihood of structural issues later on from becoming waterlogged. 

10. Brighten Up Your Garden 

After a long, cold winter, many Denver homeowners are anxious to see some color when they look out the window. Grab your favorite spring perennials and plant them in the garden to signify the new season and warmer weather. While you’re planting, it’s also a convenient time to prune existing bushes and shrubs and remove anything that didn’t make it through the cold season. 

When choosing plants, check which Denver plant hardiness zone you’re in. This allows you to opt for plants that are more likely to survive in the region — saving you time, money, and a bit of effort at the end of the day. 

11. Check Your Sprinkler System

You likely haven’t used your sprinkler system all winter. Spring represents an ideal time to turn it on and see if everything is flowing properly and to check whether the water pressure needs adjusting. If you have multiple sprinkler heads, check them all to ensure they’re not clogged or otherwise damaged. After a period of disuse, the sprinklers may need to be repositioned to ensure they’re hitting the correct areas and not wasting precious water by spraying the driveway or the side of the house.

12. Clean the Dryer Vent

Regular dryer vent cleaning has the added bonus of increasing the lifespan of your appliance. When the vent becomes clogged with lint, clothes take longer to dry, your electricity bill increases and your home is at higher fire risk. Every year, obstructed dryer ducts result in hundreds of injuries and even deaths — so ensure this task is completed at least twice a year. 

13. Apply Fertilizer to the Lawn 

Fertilizer can help to promote new growth, which is especially crucial after plants and grass have gone dormant to endure a tough winter season. Depending on your lawn type, fertilizer may even be able to reduce weeds while adding essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. In Colorado, it’s best to fertilize during late spring (mid-May to early June) when the soil is warmer.

14. Get Ready for Pool Weather 

Denver homeowners who also have a pool should use the warmer temperatures as a signal to get their pool prepped and ready to go. After an especially cold winter, don’t be surprised if friends and family want to take a dip, sip on a cocktail, and enjoy the sunshine. Vacuum the bottom of the pool and skim the water surface to remove any stray leaves and check for any algae buildup that needs to be scrubbed. 

Ensure that the pump and filter are functioning properly, as they may need a tuneup after months of not being used. Before taking your first swim of the season, run the pump and filtering system for at least 24 hours to fully circulate the water and use a shock treatment to sanitize and restore the chlorine balance. 

15. Clean Out the Chimney 

The recommendation many homeowners follow for chimney maintenance is to clean it once a year. Spring is the ideal time, especially if you’ve been enjoying the fireplace on brisk winter evenings. Call out a professional chimney sweep to clear out any soot and debris that has accumulated, which will leave your fireplace and chimney ready to go by the time more cold weather rolls around.

16. Clear Away Pine Needles 

Pine trees are one of the most common varieties in the Colorado region. If you have a tree close to your home, needles will likely end up shedding on top of the roof. When the needles are allowed to pile up excessively, this can inevitably cause damage to the roof. Moisture can become trapped after spring showers, which may result in water damage and leaks. Grab a ladder and a broom and carefully sweep them off while taking care to not damage any of the shingles. 

17. Prepare for Patio Season 

Spring in Denver is generally mild in temperature and can bring some beautiful barbecuing weather. If you’re planning to fire up the grill and invite guests over, unpack the outdoor furniture and inspect it for any damage or rot. Many Colorado residents opt to put chairs, tables, and grills in the garage or a protected shed during the winter, to prevent rust.

18. Touch Up Walkways

Taking the time to tidy up the edges of your lawn and the walkways can do wonders for increasing the curb appeal of your home. Scraggly weeds and overgrown landscaping can make a home look unkempt to neighbors and passersby. During the process of touching up, homeowners should check for any cracks in the concrete and make note of any bald spots that may need to be reseeded in the lawn. 

19. Increase the Efficiency of Your Solar Panels 

To maintain the best electricity production from your solar panels, Denver homeowners should clean them periodically. Once or twice a year is ideal for Colorado residents. Using water and a non-abrasive sponge or cloth is enough to give the panels a gentle cleaning. You can even hose them down every few months without having to climb on top of the roof. The best time to clean solar panels is in the morning or evening before the sun has had a chance to heat them and make them hot to the touch.

Enjoy the Beautiful Spring Weather and All that Colorado Has to Offer!

Whether you’re a new homeowner in the Denver area or you’ve been in the Mile High City your entire life — the team at RE/MAX Professionals is here to support you. Our agents are experts in the local market and can help you sell your house or locate the perfect home to settle down in. We thrive on providing value to our fellow residents through our professional service and community-oriented approach to real estate.