Spring is the perfect time to perform routine maintenance checks in your home. This simple checklist will help you avoid the need for restoration experts in spring and summer. Follow these steps so you can enjoy the warmer weather with peace of mind.

Clean Those Gutters

Autumn leaves may be a distant memory when it comes to your lawn, but your gutters probably tell a different story. Leaves, twigs, gumballs, and other debris can clog gutters, preventing them from doing their job. Heavy spring rains plus clogged gutters could equal disaster for your roof if water backs up under the shingles, causing leaks and water damage. Blocked gutters can also cause puddling around the foundation of your home, leading to leaks and flooding in the basement or crawl space. Avoid the need for restoration services by cleaning those gutters every spring.

Check the Batteries in Smoke Detectors

We may have already sprung forward, but it’s not too late to check the batteries in your smoke detectors. Press the button to make sure your detectors are still working properly after you’ve installed new batteries. Want to get double duty out of this chore? Have your family perform a simple fire drill when you test the detector. This is also a great time to review your family’s fire safety plan.

Look for Signs of Mold

If you experienced water damage from frozen pipes or leaks from snow melt during the winter, you’re probably eager to put the whole thing behind you. But in some cases, winter water damage can lead to warm-weather mold and mildew. Check any areas that received water damage or flooding. Damp, musty smells, increased allergy symptoms, or unexplained respiratory illness can also be signs of hidden mold. Call in the experts at the first signs of mold to avoid the need for more extensive restoration services later.

Clean the Grill

Warm weather means firing up the grill, but a grill that has been sitting all winter needs attention. Clean the grate and check the cavity of the grill for leaves, pine straw, and other debris that can blow in. Small animals and rodents have been known to build their nests in unused grills, so be sure to check the cavity for flammable nesting materials. Check propane tanks for rust and make sure all lines are secure. Make sure your grill isn’t too close to the house or roof overhangs.

Check Foundation Vents

If your home has a crawl space, there are vents along the foundation walls near the ground. These vents can become clogged with leaves, blocking air circulation and creating the kind of damp environment that mold loves. Likewise, erosion can wash soil into mounds against the foundation that block the vents and lead to flooding. Check each vent carefully, and clear away any blockage that may have built up during cooler months. If you fear your foundation vents have become buried from years of soil buildup, restoration services may be needed to locate and return them to a functioning state.

Keep Your Basement Dry

Look for leaks and seepage around your basement each spring. Make sure there’s nothing happening outside that could cause water to pool around the foundation of your home. In the basement, inspect any existing caulk or sealant for cracks or peeling, and reapply as needed to seal small cracks and other potential entry points for water. If you have a sump pump, test it by slowly pouring water into the well to make sure the float turns on the pump. If you have a dehumidifier, check the coils for mold and replace clogged filters.