8 Home Maintenance Tasks You Should Tackle in March

If the sight of the warmer temps fills you with spring fever, we’re with you. We, too, are restless for the heat and longer days that are just around the corner. But before you can kick back on a balmy evening with a glass of wine, you’ve got to get your home in shape.

The month of March—when temps are beginning to rise but before those April showers—is the ideal time to get down and dirty with those maintenance projects. March home maintenance projects can extend the longevity and improve the quality of your home, inside and out!

1. Clean the gutters Get the gunk out of your gutter. Task: Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris that have accumulated over the winter so your gutter system is ready to handle spring showers. Overflowing gutters and blocked downspouts can damage siding and foundations.

2. Clean the A/C condenser Task: Remove dust and debris that have accumulated on the A/C condenser (the big metal box outside your house) so that the A/C works efficiently.

3. Prep the yard If you want to smell the roses this spring, prune before they bloom. Task: Start bringing your yard back to life now, before temperatures warm up for real.

4. Clean the siding Task: Get rid of dirt and grime that can cause mildew and shorten the life of your siding. As a bonus, the exterior of your home will look fresh and clean for spring.

5. Clean and repair outdoor decks Pressure Washer Cleaning a Weathered DeckClear the decks! Task: Cleaning your deck of leaves and debris—especially between deck boards—prevents staining and reduces the chance of rot. Check for loose boards, and reset protruding nails to keep your deck safe.

6. Caulk around windows and doors Task: Inspect the caulking and repair any that was battered during the winter. Check around your windows, doors, and corner trim to prevent water infiltration and avoid costly repairs.

7. Inspect walkways and driveways Task: Winter is tough on concrete and asphalt—freeze and thaw cycles can break apart stone and concrete. You’ll want to seal cracks with sealant made for the specific material of your driveway or walkway to prevent further damage.

8. Inspect the roofing Task: Take a close look at your roofing to check for loose and missing shingles, worn and rusted flashing, and cracked boots around vent pipes.