# Spring Home Maintenance Checklist | Remodel Your Home

> Complete spring home maintenance checklist covering roof, foundation, drainage, deck, and interior. Catch winter damage early.

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## The Bottom Line

Spring is the season when winter damage becomes visible. Catch small problems now (a cracked foundation, a failing seal, a clogged drain) before they become expensive repairs by summer.

## Exterior and Roof

- Inspect roof for lifted, cracked, or missing shingles caused by freeze-thaw cycles or ice dams. Look for granule accumulation in gutters. Excessive granules indicate aging shingles.
- Check all roof flashing (chimney, skylights, vents, valleys). Freeze-thaw expansion is the leading cause of flashing separation.
- Inspect gutters for sagging, rust, and joint separation after ice loading. Re-secure loose hangers with screws.
- Check all exterior caulking around windows, doors, and penetrations. Winter causes caulk to crack and separate. It needs replacement every 5–10 years.
- Walk the perimeter and look for foundation cracks. Horizontal cracks in block or poured concrete foundations are serious. Call a structural engineer.
- Check wood trim, fascia, and soffit for rot or paint failure. Probe suspicious areas with a screwdriver. Soft or spongy wood has rot.

## Drainage and Grading

- Verify grading slopes away from the foundation on all sides. Soil should fall at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet away from the house.
- Check window wells for standing water or debris accumulation.
- Flush downspouts and confirm they direct water at least 6 feet from the foundation.
- Look for erosion patterns around the foundation that indicate improper drainage.

## Deck and Exterior Structures

- Inspect deck boards and ledger board for rot or structural damage. The ledger (where the deck attaches to the house) is the most critical connection. Confirm lag screws are tight and flashing is intact.
- Test deck railings for stability. Code requires railings not deflect more than 1 inch under 200 lbs horizontal load.
- Check fence posts for heaving caused by frost. Posts can shift significantly after a hard winter.

## Interior and Systems

- Check the basement and crawlspace for water intrusion or new moisture stains after snowmelt. Fresh white mineral deposits on walls indicate recent water movement.
- Inspect attic for signs of ice dam damage: water stains, compressed insulation, or rot at eaves.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
- Service outdoor faucets: reconnect hoses and test for leaks after shutoff valve operation over winter.
- Schedule HVAC tune-up for air conditioning season (May is ideal before peak demand).

## What Should I Check in the Other Seasons?

**Protect Your Home In Every Season**
By taking a little time to maintain your home every season, you can reduce expensive home repairs down the line.

- [Summer Home Maintenance Checklist](/summer-home-maintenance-checklist/index.md): Check off exterior and HVAC tasks before contractors’ schedules fill up.
- [Fall Home Maintenance Checklist](/fall-home-maintenance-checklist/index.md): Check gutters, roof, and seals ahead of the first freeze.
- [Winter Home Maintenance Checklist](/winter-home-maintenance-checklist/index.md): Prevent frozen pipes, ice dams, and heating system problems; prepare for winter emergencies.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/spring-home-inspection-checklist/