A spring checklist for the outside of your home

Snow, salt and freeze-thaw cycles are tough on a home. Once the snow is gone, walk around the outside of your house with this list.

Roof and gutters

• Look for missing or lifted shingles from the ground.
• Check gutters for sagging, leaks and loose downspouts.
• Clear out debris left from fall and winter. Gutter cleaning in late spring catches seeds and buds too.

Siding and trim

• Look for green algae on north-facing walls.
• Check caulk around windows and doors for cracks.
• Look for peeling paint on trim.

A spring house wash removes winter grime and makes it easy to spot problems.

Windows

• Clean the glass, screens and tracks.
• Check for broken screens before bug season.

Window cleaning inside and out lets in a lot more light.

Driveway and walkways

• Wash off winter salt.
• Look for new cracks and heaved slabs.

Yard

• Rake matted leaves off the lawn so grass can breathe.
• Cut back dead perennials and clear garden beds.
• Check fences and decks for loose boards.

A spring yard cleanup handles the raking, cutting back and hauling in one visit.