Spring has finally arrived in the Gunnison Valley. The days are getting longer and the weather warmer which means your “to-do” list is probably also getting longer. Before you get preoccupied with countless summer activities, it’s important to make sure your home is ready for the spring melt off and summer weather which is soon to follow. Here’s what experts say should be at the top of your spring home maintenance list:
1. Check For Leaks And Water Damage
What a winter we’ve had this year! With the incredible snowfall we’ve had this winter it’s important to look for ice and water damage. Now is the time to make sure small leaks don’t turn into major damage. Walk around your home, checking the rubber seals or metal flashings around vents, flues, and chimneys. If you do find a leak, call in the professionals right away before they get booked up with summer projects.
2. Clear Gutters And Downspouts
Not only are dirty gutters and downspouts an eyesore, they can lead to leaks and water damage. Removing debris from your gutters and downspouts doesn’t take long or any special tools. All you need is a ladder, small hand trowel or rake, and a hose. The job shouldn’t take you very long and will make a world of difference when you are done. In addition, if you’re getting your home ready to sell, potential buyers are likely to assume that if you’ve taken care of your gutters, you’ve probably taken care of the rest of your home as well.
3. Deep Clean Your Carpeting
We tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months which can take a toll on your carpeting. Simple spot cleans are easy enough and one can always rent a carpet cleaner. Just be sure to spot test with your cleaning solution, allowing for it to dry, to check for colorfastness before cleaning your entire carpet. For larger jobs or tough stains, it’s best to call in the professionals. We highly recommend The Finest Detail for your carpet cleaning needs.
4. Check On Your Sump Pump
All this amazing snow is going to mean a LOT of melt off come mud season. If you sump pump isn’t working properly, that could lead to flooding. It’s easy for a sump pump to fail during severe storms or the spring melt off so it’s good practice to test them quarterly to avoid problems down the road. Be sure to keep your sump pump free of rocks, dirt, and debris to keep it working properly. Test your pump, by pouring water into the basin and watching the pump activate. Should you notice any malfunctions or have any concerns, call in a repairman sooner than later.
5. Flush Your Hot Water Heater
Who doesn’t love a long, hot shower after a day on the slopes? If flushing your hot water heater isn’t on your spring cleaning list, it should be. Over time, gunk, grit and sediment builds up in your hot water heater. Additionally, the liner in your tank expands and contracts, especially during the winter, or if it is in an area that is not well insulated. This expansion and contraction can cause sediment to break free. Flushing out your hot water heater periodically will help keep it running smoothly. Homeowners can tackle this project on their own with the help of online tutorials or, if you don’t want the hassle, call in a local plumber.
6. Service/Replace Fire Extinguishers
Spring is a great time to service and/or replace the fire extinguishers in your home. You can check extinguishers by looking for the tag which contains the date. It is recommended to replace them every 10 years as they can lose their charge. You also want to make sure to inspect the gauge and ensure it is in the green. The pin should also pop back up when pushed down, indicating that the extinguisher still has the right amount of pressure. If you don’t have an extinguisher in your home, it’s not a bad idea to get one!
You can read more ways to get your home ready for spring here:
- 6 Spring Maintenance Tasks You Shouldn’t Procrastinate On – Or Else
- 8 Easy Steps To Prepare Your Home For Spring
For more information on Crested Butte events, festivals, and news, as well as home tips and the local real estate market, please visit crestedbuttecollection.com.