How Spring Maintenance Helps Protect Your Home

After a particularly brutal winter, many homeowners here in the Northeast are discovering issues that weren’t visible just a few weeks ago—ice damage, moisture intrusion, and wear that quietly accumulated during the cold, snowy months. As temperatures rise and homes thaw, spring is the time to look for hidden damage, address safety risks, and prepare your property for the warmer months ahead.

As you tackle spring cleaning, take time to work through the following maintenance and safety checks to help protect your home and your family.

Outdoor Spring Home Maintenance and Safety

Start with the exterior of your home, where winter weather tends to cause the most visible damage.

• Tools. Inspect lawn and power tool cords for any cracks or frayed wires. If you notice anything concerning, have the cables repaired or replace the tool.
• Protective Gear. Wear protective clothing and eye protection when working with lawn equipment, weed killer, fertilizer and other chemicals. When you’re finished with yard work, store all sharp tools, gasoline and fertilizers in a safe place where children and pets can’t gain access.
• Defensive Landscaping. Take the time to trim shrubs and other landscaping away from windows to help defend against potential intruders. If you don’t already have them, consider installing motion-detecting lighting and cameras for your property.
• Leaves and Debris. Clean debris from gutters, walkways and outdoor stairwells to prevent flooding, rotting and leaks.
• Roofs and Gutters. Winter storms can wreak havoc on roofs and gutters. Look for missing or damaged shingles.
• Foundation. Walk around the house and inspect the foundation for cracks or signs of water pooling. Early repairs can prevent expensive structural problems.
• Driveways and Walkways. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause cracks in concrete and asphalt. Repair damaged areas early to prevent trips, falls and further deterioration.
• Windows and Seals. Inspect window caulking and weatherstripping. Winter expansion and contraction can create gaps that allow water intrusion and increase energy bills.
• Outdoor Faucets and Hoses. Check for leaks or burst pipes caused by freezing temperatures. Turn on outdoor water sources, and watch for reduced pressure or pooling water.
• Address Visibility. Address numbers should be visible from the street in case emergency responders need to find your home.

Indoor Spring Home Maintenance and Safety

After addressing the exterior, move indoors to identify less visible issues that may have developed over the winter.

• Detectors. Spring is a great time to check the batteries and connections for your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Always use the test button to make sure the sensor works, but it’s still an excellent time to change out the battery.
• Plumbing Leaks. Look under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances for slow leaks that may have developed over the winter. Even minor drips can lead to mold or water damage over time.
• Electrical Safety. Check outlets and extension cords for damage, especially in areas where space heaters or seasonal equipment were heavily used during winter.
• Security Systems. Check security system connections, including window sensors and motion detectors, to make sure they are still in working order and free of any blockages. If you don’t yet have them, install water leak sensors in your basement or near your water heater. Many sensors are compatible with security systems.
• HVAC Systems. While temperatures are still mild, schedule an inspection and tune-up of your air conditioning system to ensure that it functions during the summer months. Replace the air filters to improve indoor air quality and system efficiency.
• Water Heater Check. Inspect your water heater for corrosion, leaks or sediment buildup. If it’s older, consider preventive replacement before failure.
• Kitchen Fires. Degrease kitchen appliances and stove hoods, and inspect all appliance power cords to help avoid kitchen fires. Here are 12 tips to avoid kitchen fires (and what to do if one occurs).
• Sump Pumps. If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s functioning properly to prevent basement flooding.
• Dryer Vents. You probably empty the lint traps with every load of laundry, but when was the last time you cleaned the vents? Lint buildup in dryer vents poses a fire hazard. Cleaning the dryer vents not only reduces your risk of fire but also lowers energy bills and extends the life of your appliance.
• Family Emergency Plan. The National Safety Council recommends having an emergency plan in case of a natural disaster or other catastrophe. Review your family plan—or create one—each spring, and replenish your home and car emergency and first-aid kits.

Fire Extinguishers and Safety Plans

Fire extinguishers can last up to 15 years, but they still expire. Look for the expiration date or check the pressure valve to make sure it’s still in the green. Test, service or replace your fire extinguishers if:

• The product has been used.
• The hose or handle is broken, cracked or otherwise compromised.
• The locking pin is missing.
• The pressure valve needle falls in any area other than green.

If you live in an apartment, condo or co-op building, make sure you’re familiar with the evacuation and fire safety plans. Building owners are required to post the fire safety plan inside each apartment, as well as the common area.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers additional public safety tips and resources on fire extinguishers and fire safety.

Protect Your Home with Preventive Maintenance

Preparation is much easier—and far less costly—than remediation and recovery. These spring maintenance and safety tips are a great place to start as you prepare your home for the months ahead.

If you have any questions about your coverage, or want to make sure your home is properly protected, please call us at 877-576-5200 or request a free insurance review.