Spring is a time for making your home alive again after a long, cold winter. Even if you've just moved into a new home, by spring there's a good chance that you'll find plenty of tidying up to do. If tasks have been piling up over the last several months, it can be difficult to know where to start with spring maintenance. Our real estate agents are here with these steps toward making spring house maintenance easier.

1. Inspect your roof
   Winter weather can wreak havoc on rooftops, and leaky roofs can lead to water damage inside your house. If you can inspect your own rooftop with a ladder safely, do so; otherwise, try to find an angle on the ground where you can see if any shingles have fallen off or if any rust has formed. Even if there are no visible cracks in your roof, you should still inspect your ceilings for water damage; nails holding shingles in place can start to pop out just enough to let water in. Even if your roof is fully intact, it might be a good idea to hire a roof cleaning service to get rid of any lingering debris.
   
   
2. Clean your gutters
   Gutters are essential to protecting your home from water damage. When clogged gutters get backed up, the water can end up leaking into your home. Additionally, clogged gutters might eventually crack or break, leaving openings in your roof that can result in severe water damage. As soon as it's warm enough to do so, it's essential to clean your gutters. Break out a ladder to clean any gutters that you can yourself. Any gutters you can't get to will require a professional.
   
   
3. Examine concrete, bricks, and exterior walls
   Check any brick exteriors and chimneys for deposits of a white substance; this is called efflorescence, and it's a sign that your bricks are absorbing water. Look for cracks in concrete that need sealing, and warping in any wood exteriors. Again, look out for water stains, which are a sign that your gutters aren't channeling water effectively.
   
   
4. Check your foundation
   If your foundation has any cracks, you'll need a professional to seal them properly. Give your foundation a thorough inspection to ensure that it is still sound.
   
   
5. Inspect and test your windows and doors
   In some locations, you might not open your windows at all during the winter. Look over your windows carefully and make sure they open properly and are airtight when closed. If need be, buy a screen repair kit to fix any holes in screens, and caulking or weather stripping to seal off any drafts. Likewise, doors can warp with the change of temperature, which can lead to small gaps around the edges. Weather stripping, caulking, or foam strips should do the trick to stop any drafts.  
   
   
6. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
   It's a good idea to test your safety alarms regularly, and doing so during spring maintenance is a good way to remember. If need be, keep a supply of batteries on hand that you'll only use for your alarms, and replace any alarms that are out of date.

If you're looking for a new home, the Masiello Group is here to help you find it. Our real estate agents are ready to look throughout Northern New England for the house of your dreams. If you want to find out more about our services, don't hesitate to contact us!