As the days get longer and the weather warms up in Albuquerque, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and start tackling some bigger home projects. With the threat of winter storms now gone, it’s a great opportunity to look for any damage that may have occurred and make any necessary repairs. Additionally, it’s a good idea to get your home and garden prepped and ready for the summer months ahead.

Here are some useful tips on what to look out for this spring, from ensuring proper irrigation to keeping an eye out for pesky mosquitoes and termites.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts

After the last frost has passed, it is essential to have your gutters and downspouts cleaned and repaired. Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, leading to a variety of critters entering your attic.

Getting your gutters and downspouts cleaned early in the season can help prevent any damage from spring rains. It is important that gutters and downspouts are clean and running freely. If the downspouts are installed correctly, water is diverted away from the house so that no water is collected around the foundation.

Reseal Exterior Woodwork

Wood decks, fences, railings, trellises, pergolas, and other outdoor structures should be stained or resealed every year or two in order to help them last longer and stay in better condition. This is also a great opportunity to make any needed repairs to woodwork, such as replacing broken boards or filling in gaps. Taking the time to maintain your outdoor structures can help them last for many years.

Check for Signs of Termites

Beginning in March and going through May or June, it is important to be on the lookout for termites. These winged insects will swarm in the spring, and if you see a bunch of them flying out of a hole in the woodwork, it is likely termites. To ensure the problem is taken care of properly, it is best to call a licensed professional pest control company. Doing this will save you money and trouble in the long run.

Inspect the Roof

Winter storms can cause significant damage to roofs, so it is important to inspect your roof when spring arrives. You don’t need to climb on the roof to do this; you can use binoculars, a camera, or a smartphone with a telephoto feature. Look for missing shingles, damaged or missing metal pipes, or anything that looks out of place. If you notice any issues that require closer inspection or repair, it is best to call a roofer.

Paint the Exterior

If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior this year, spring is an ideal time to get started. Choosing a color for your home can be daunting, but there are a few options to explore. You can take a walk around your town and snap pictures of house colors you like, browse photos on Houzz, or work with a color consultant to find the perfect hue. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect color for your home.

Inspect Driveways and Paths

Freezing and thawing can cause a lot of damage to hardscaping materials such as concrete and asphalt. It is important to inspect your property regularly for any damage to walkways, paths, and driveways. If repairs are needed, asphalt can often be patched, but if the damage is more severe, concrete may need to be replaced entirely. Scheduling repairs as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage from occurring.

Check Sprinkler and Irrigation Systems

Checking your sprinklers or irrigation systems in the spring can save water – and save your plants. Sedinger shares these tips for checking your watering system:

• Run the system through all the zones manually and walk the property.
• Make sure none of the heads are broken or damaged.
• Adjust any heads that are spraying the house, especially windows, as this can cause moisture problems.
• Adjust heads that are spraying the street, sidewalk, or porches to avoid wasting water.
• If you don’t know how to maintain your sprinkler system, call a professional to do it. You’ll save money on your water bill and protect one of our most valuable natural resources.

Check Screen Doors and Windows

Screens are an essential part of keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer months. Not only do they allow fresh air to flow in, but they also prevent bugs from entering your home. However, in order for screens to be effective, they must be free from any holes or tears. Before the warm weather arrives, it is important to inspect each screen and repair any damage, no matter how small.

Fortunately, screen repair kits can be found at many hardware and home improvement stores. With a little bit of effort, you can ensure that your screens are in top condition and ready for the summer.

Schedule Air-conditioning Service

Home maintenance is an important part of keeping your air conditioning system running efficiently. Many home inspectors see air conditioning systems that have not been adequately maintained, leading to shorter lifespans and less efficient cooling. To ensure your system runs optimally, it is important to change the filters at least once each season and to have a licensed professional service the equipment before the start of summer. Taking these steps can help extend the life of your air conditioning system and ensure it runs efficiently.