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Spring Cleaning & Home Maintenance In Louisiana

Spring Home Maintenance In Louisiana

Spring has sprung yet again here in Louisiana. The temperatures are rising and the sun is shining. With that being said, that means it’s time for some spring home maintenance & tidying up around the house. Throughout the winter, there may have been some issues within the home you were unable to assess due to the colder temperatures. Both the interior & exterior of your home are going to need a little sprucing up. Aside from your usual spring cleaning routine, here are a few areas that may need a little extra help. 

Interior Spring Home Maintenance

  • Declutter: Decluttering your home is a good way to purge your home of unnecessary items, and a great way to kick off spring cleaning. With all the clutter out of the way, it is much easier to see what needs to be done. Clutter tends to hide  certain things that may need to be cleaned or repaired. 
  • Attic: Your attic may be experiencing an excessive amount of moisture that needs to be addressed. As the temperatures begin to rise, you want to ensure that you are employing the use of proper ventilation in your attic. Additionally, freeing up some space in the attic & decluttering will allow the air to circulate more efficiently. Ensure that there are no indicators of moisture damage or signs of mold growth in the attic. 
  • Crawl Space: As the temperatures rise, moisture in the ground may be making its way into your crawl space. To avoid this, you may want to consider installing a vapor barrier. This will help you to prevent moisture intrusion & mold development in your crawl space. Additionally, if your crawl space is especially moist, you might want to employ the use of a dehumidifier within the space to give you some extra security when it comes to preventing excess moisture in your crawl space. 
  •  Windows & Doors: Check your windows & doors for any cracks, gaps or signs of damage that may have taken place during the winter. These gaps are most noticeable during significant temperature changes, such as the transition from winter to spring. Cracks & gaps around your home’s windows & doors allow air conditioning to escape, which will lead to heightened energy bills. Don’t throw money out the window. Repair any gaps you find around windows & doors promptly. 
  • HVAC: Seasonal HVAC tune ups are important during spring home maintenance, and should be performed twice a year minimally. This is because your HVAC systems get the most use during summer and winter, with spring wedged right in between the two. Before summer arrives, ensure that your HVAC system is clean, with a fresh filter. Take care of any repairs that it may need to keep it running smoothly throughout the upcoming spring & summer months. 

Exterior Spring Home Maintenance

  • Roof: Check up on the status of your roof. Ensure that there are no soft spots, leaks, or damaged/missing shingles. This will not only protect the exterior of your home, but it will also add extra security to your attic. 
  • Gutters & Downspouts: Clear your home’s gutters & downspouts of any debris, ensuring that there are no clogs or blockages. Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup, creating the potential for water damage, intrusion & mold development on your roof & in your attic. Downspouts should be long enough to direct water away from the foundation of your home, preventing pooling. Any damaged gutters & downspouts should be repaired or replaced promptly. 
  • Lawn: Many Louisiana homeowners don’t realize that an unkempt lawn can lead to a lot of issues during spring home maintenance. Remove any dead leaves & debris that may be left over from fall & winter. Not only is an unkempt lawn an eye sore, it can also cause damage to your home. Debris left on your lawn can lead to unnecessary moisture buildup, causing potential foundation damage. Additionally, debris & leaves can attract more pests than usual. 
  • Foundation: Inspect your home’s foundation for any cracks or signs of damage. Repair all cracks & gaps as soon as possible to avoid moisture seepage & mold growth. 

Simplify Your Spring Home Maintenance Routine

With so many different home maintenance tasks to tackle, the prospect of spring home maintenance can seem intimidating. However, it doesn’t need to be. To make things a little easier, try to break things up over the course of a few days or even a few weeks. You don’t need to do everything all at once, as long as it all gets done eventually. After all, spring is a time to celebrate that winter is over, so get out and enjoy the nice weather.

If you notice signs of water damage or mold growth in your Acadiana home, don’t hesitate. Contact a local professional mold remediation company in your area to assess the damage & develop a plan for remediation. 

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