Spring is the perfect season for taking care of a few maintenance tasks. Mild weather just begs you to spend some time outside. Make the most of your hours outdoors by completing some cleaning and repair projects on the outside of your Savannah, Georgia, home.
Patching Your Driveway
Over time, your driveway will develop cracks and divots in the surface. This can retract from your curb appeal and create an uneven surface. Though Georgia residents don’t have to struggle with freezing and thawing cycles as much as those in other parts of the country, asphalt will still show signs of age as the years pass. If your cracks are less than a quarter-inch wide, you can patch them easily yourself with a liquid filler.
If you’re dealing with a crack that’s more than a quarter-inch wide, you can temporarily fix it with a patching material. Remove any weeds or grass growing in the cracks and clean them out thoroughly with a pressure washer. Use a concrete resurfacer to fill them.
If the entire surface of the driveway is worn, latex asphalt sealer can solve the problem. Apply an even coat over the driveway.
Sealing Exterior Cracks
Exterior cracks in your home will diminish your energy efficiency. Keep your air conditioning inside where it belongs this summer by sealing these cracks. Carefully inspect the exterior of your home for gaps or cracks, particularly around windows and doors.
You can seal small cracks quickly with exterior grade caulking. An expandable spray foam is the best choice for larger cracks or holes. Not all caulks are formulated for paint, so if you’re going to paint over the caulking, make sure you choose the right product for this job.
Washing the Garage Door
Your garage door is an easy area to overlook, so you may be surprised when you find out how dirty it really is. After washing away the accumulated dirt and dust, you may find a noticeably different color underneath. Take the time to wash your garage door at least once a year. A warm spring day is the perfect time for this job. It’s easy enough that you can even get your kids in on the fun.
Fill a bucket with water and add a squirt of dish soap. Dip an old rag in the bucket and scrub your garage door thoroughly. Spray the door with a hose or pressure washer on a light setting to remove the suds and any remaining dirt.
Getting Rid of Cobwebs
The space under your eaves makes a perfect home for spiders, bugs, and cobwebs. A long-handled broom is all you need to get rid of this, but many people don’t think about taking the time to do it. Go around the exterior of your house and sweep any areas under the roof where you can spot debris. This is a good time to examine these spaces for signs of damage as well. If you notice cracks or leaks, make a note to repair these as soon as possible.
Cleaning Your Gutters
Fall leaves can build up in your gutters, leaving them clogged and dirty. When spring rains begin pouring down, you may notice your gutter spilling over and flooding your yard. Clean gutters will make a dramatic difference in how your landscape drains by making sure rainwater is directed to the appropriate areas.
Use a ladder to climb up to the gutters and scoop out any accumulated leaves. You can use nearly any trowel or small shovel to clean out the gutters. Keep a bucket with you for the debris so you don’t have to clean it out of the yard later.
Clearing Your Yard
Sticks, leaves, and debris can accumulate throughout your yard during the fall and winter months. Spring is the perfect time to clear this debris away. Pull dead flowers and shrubs and rake up other debris in the yard. It’s particularly important for you to do this in the area around your exterior HVAC unit. You’ll increase energy efficiency by keeping the area clear of plants, shrubs, and tall grass for three feet in all directions.
Don’t forget to take advantage of HVAC system services as part of your spring cleaning routine. Contact us at Byrd Heating and Air Conditioning to make your appointment now: 912-373-8447.
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