Winter weather can be tough on a home – inside and out. While maintenance is a year-long task, now is the ideal time to get your home in tip-top shape so you can enjoy it more in the sunny months ahead – remember, they don't call it “spring cleaning” for nothing. Here are four easy maintenance tips to spring your home back to life this season.
1. Front Door Facelift
With harsh weather, comes cracked or peeling paint. A fresh paint job can boost your home's curb appeal and provide a protective barrier from the elements. If your front door is looking worn, give it a facelift with a bold new colour. Many colours look different and less intense outdoors than they do indoors, so to compensate, throw caution to the wind and go bold. According to the DIY Network, bright yellow and classic red are some of the more popular front door colours.
Prep is equally as important outdoors as it is in, so use a quality painter's tape like Painter's Mate Green, to protect windows and trim and ensure a flawless finish. Painter's Mate Green can be used on many types of surfaces and delivers professional results – without the premium price point.
2. Freshen up Filters
Freshen up indoors by cleaning or replacing HVAC filters. Energy Star recommends that air filters be changed at least every three months, depending on the type you're using. With the proper furnace filter, you'll reduce harmful airborne contaminants such as dirt, dust and various allergens. To replace a filter, follow your HVAC system's instruction manual to ensure proper installation. Lastly, make sure there aren't any gaps around the filter frame. If this is the case, you may have the wrong size.
3. Pressure Wash Exteriors
Erase years of residue on exterior surfaces by renting a pressure washer from your local home improvement store. Use it to clean decks, walkways, fences and other outside surfaces. Pressure washers can have different cleaning abilities, so make sure to read the documentation that came with it before beginning any cleaning task and confirm that the model is appropriate for the job. Remove any obstacles that could cause tripping or that might snag the hoses. Turn off power to external electrical outlets and fixtures and tape down plastic to cover them. Trim back plants that touch the home exterior and then water and cover all of the plants in the work area to keep in the moisture. Never direct pressure washers at people, animals or plants.
4. Clear out Gutters
Noticed the water isn't draining down the gutter? Clear out any accumulated debris that could be clogging the gutter system. For this down-and-dirty task, you'll need a pair of work gloves, a trowel, a stepladder, a bucket and garden hose. Climb up the ladder and begin to scoop out the waste, interchangeably using a trowel or your gloved hands, and dispose of it in the bucket. When the gutter is nearly clear, turn on the hose to flush the leftovers down the waterspout, and the gutter should drain. While you're at it, inspect your downspouts to see if they've suffered any damage. Downspouts should extend at least one to two metres from your home, so they can effectively direct water away from the foundation.
Maintaining your home regularly keeps it refreshed, in prime condition after a rough winter and in tip-top shape all year long. Visit paintersmategreen.com for additional information.
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