Spring is Here: Head on Outside for Some Home Maintenance

Home maintenance never ends and spring is the perfect time to tackle outdoor tasks before the summer heat and storm season arrive. We’ve selected key chores to help North Carolina homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly repairs down the road.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters channel roof runoff away from your foundation. In North Carolina’s spring rains, clogged gutters can lead to basement leaks, foundation cracks and soil erosion. Remove leaves, pine needles and debris by hand or with a gutter scoop. Consider installing gutter guards to reduce future clogs. If you’re feeling ambitious, attach a rain barrel to your downspout, contact your local NC Cooperative Extension office for rebate programs on rainwater harvesting equipment.

Service and Clean Your HVAC System

Annual HVAC maintenance keeps your system running efficiently. In our humid climate, change or clean filters every 60 days, trim vegetation at least two feet from outdoor units and have a licensed technician inspect coils, ducts and refrigerant levels. Many HVAC companies in spring run specials, just confirm what’s included and verify contractor credentials with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors.

Check Pipes for Leaks and Insulate

Inspect exposed pipes in crawlspaces, attics and exterior walls for drips or corrosion. Even small leaks can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Insulate pipes in unheated areas with foam sleeves to prevent freeze damage during late frosts. Monitor your water meter for unexpected usage spikes and look for damp spots in basements and under sinks.

Pressure Wash House, Decks and Walkways

Power washing clears pollen, mildew and dirt from siding, decks and patios. Rent or buy a pressure washer rated below 2,000 psi for wood surfaces and up to 3,000 psi for concrete. Test a small area first to avoid damage. After washing, reseal wood decks to protect against UV and moisture. Always verify your home’s siding material can handle power washing.

Inspect Roof and Flashing

Climb a ladder or use binoculars to look for missing, cracked or curling shingles. Check around chimneys, vents and skylights for damaged flashing that can allow leaks. Repair or replace worn components now to prevent water intrusion during summer storms.

Prepare Landscaping and Hardscaping

Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house to avoid roof and siding damage. Refresh mulch beds to control weeds and retain soil moisture. Inspect stone patios, walkways and retaining walls for loose stones or mortar cracks and repair as needed to maintain stability.

Prevent Mosquito and Tick Breeding

Eliminate standing water in flowerpot saucers, old tires, birdbaths and clogged drain lines. Use Bti mosquito dunks in ponds and rain barrels. Mow grass short and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitat. Consider native plant landscaping to minimize watering and pesticide use.

Check Deck and Patio Seals

Inspect wood decks and patios for peeling stain or sealant. Sand and apply a fresh coat of water‑repellent sealant or stain to protect against rot and fading. Address loose boards or protruding nails before entertaining.

Maintain Your Lawn and Irrigation

Have your irrigation system professionally audited in spring to detect leaks or broken heads. Adjust sprinkler timers for longer days and warmer temperatures. Aerate and fertilize your lawn with a balanced, slow‑release mix to promote deep root growth and drought resistance.

Inspect Outdoor Lighting and Electrical

Test all exterior lights and replace bulbs or fixtures as needed. Check landscape lighting transformers and GFCI outlets for proper operation. Clear debris from around fixtures to ensure good ventilation and reduce fire risk.

Service and Store Outdoor Equipment

Sharpen and oil lawnmower blades, check trimmer cords and refill fuel stabilizer in old gas. Drain and store hoses, and clean snow‑blower belts before winter. Label and organize tools in a lockable shed or garage to extend their lifespan.

Check Your Septic System

If you have a septic tank, pump it every 3–5 years and inspect drain fields for soggy areas or odors. Schedule an inspection with a licensed septic contractor and avoid planting trees near the drain field to prevent root intrusion.

Test Safety Devices

Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test ground‑fault circuit interrupters in exterior outlets and indoors. Verify your sump pump kicks on by pouring water into the pit and consider a battery‑backup system for storm‑prone areas.

Resources and Reporting

• NC Cooperative Extension: Free workshops and resources at your county office, find yours at ces.ncsu.edu
• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors: Verify contractor licenses at nclbgc.org
• NC Department of Insurance: File complaints against service providers at ncdoi.gov/consumers/file-complaint
• NC Attorney General’s Office: Report maintenance scams and bad contractors at ncdoj.gov/complaints or call 1‑877‑566‑7226