Have you spent this winter in hibernation mode? Don’t worry – I think most of us have! We curl up under a warm blanket, in front of a fire, and we try our best to avoid going outside. We did this even when there wasn’t a global pandemic happening, just because we wanted to avoid the nasty weather! But staying inside for months at a time does mean a few things get neglected, and for most people the big thing is their garden, and the outside of their house in general. But now that spring is just around the corner, it’s time to brush off your gardening gloves and get the outside of your home looking spick and span, ready for the warm weather. And here’s a few things you might want to look at first.
The Roof
Over the last few months we’ve had a lot of storms, and it isn’t uncommon for the roof of your house to get a little battered along the way. Roof tiles can crack or come loose, and if they aren’t repaired it can impact the integrity of your roof and be a potential source of leaks. Give your roof a visual inspection, and use the camera on your smartphone to zoom in and get a good look. You could also pop into your attic (if you can) and check for damage from the inside – particularly any water leaking through or pinpricks of daylight. If you spot an issue, now is the best time to get it sorted, before it gets any worse.
Guttering
Whilst you’re up high, take a look down and check your guttering, especially if you live anywhere near trees. Over the winter a lot of nasty things can collect in your guttering – from leaves and mud to moss and birds’ nests – and it all creates a sludge that can block them up and cause problems. On top of that, sections of guttering can come loose, and if they break you will have drainage issues very quickly – plus excess water can erode the brickwork of your house over time, and no one wants that. So, pull on some gloves and give the gutters a clear out, and check them over for damage while you’re at it.
Windows & Doors
Now that the chill is out of the air, you might be less tempted to keep your windows tight shut all the time. And that’s great! Throw open your windows and air out the house a bit – it’ll be good for the air quality and your health, as well as the general house. And while you’re at it, you should check the seals of your windows are all intact, and if you have wooden window frames – that the wood is still in good condition. If something isn’t right, now is the time to replace those seals or give wooden frames a new coat of paint. Not only does this make them look good, but it protects them from the elements as well, so they will last longer.
Sheds & Fences
There’s no denying we’ve had some windy weather, so now would be a good time to do a perimeter check and make sure your fence panels are still in good shape. Make sure you check the posts as well, as these can often rot away before the panels and cause structural problems. Similarly, you might not have gone anywhere near your shed in months, so spare a minute to give that a once over too. Specifically, look at the base for signs of rot or pests, and at the roof for signs of damage or leaking.
General Garden Maintenance
The likelihood is your garden has been a little neglected over the winter months. That’s OK, but it means you’ll need to do a few things to bring it back to life before the flowers start to bloom. Wait for a nice dry day before you attempt to cut the grass, and in the meantime go around and remove the dead leaves and debris from your lawn and flower beds. It’s also a good time to tackle any weeds that have sprung up, before they get a foothold and become a problem. Make sure any climbing plants you have are well tied, and prune any dead heads from your plants or bushes as you go. It’s also worth checking your garden tap is still in working order, as cold snaps can cause pipes to freeze and become damaged.
Bottom line – there’s a reason spring cleaning is such a popular thing. Spring is the perfect time to take stock of your home and make a start to the external maintenance work you may have been putting off during the colder months. Spending a little time checking for damage and fixing anything that needs attention now means you get to enjoy the warmer months – rather than spending them sweating over garden tools! If you want any more maintenance tips, or advice on what you can and can’t do in your rental property, just get in touch with the Northwood team today.
