Outdoor Items To Inspect And Repair This Spring

Spring is known as the season of rebirth, but it’s also a time for rejuvenation and repair. As the snow melts and the days grow longer, homeowners must survey the damage that winter has inflicted on various outdoor spaces. While most outdoor products are built to withstand harsh weather, many require maintenance after a long winter.

Outdoor items you should check as soon as spring weather permits include gutters and downspouts, roof, and foundation. Inspect and rejuvenate your outdoor furniture, deck, patio, and fencing. Repair air conditioning units in the spring to ensure they function optimally in the summer, and test outdoor lights, sprinklers, and irrigation system. Ensure child playsets are safe to use, and prepare compost and garden infrastructure.

Spring cleaning is an annual practice many homeowners follow. As you create your cleaning checklist, remember to focus on your outdoor and indoor areas. If you have a yard, read the list below of outdoor items you should inspect and repair once winter subsides.

15 Outdoor Items You Should Inspect And Repair In The Spring

1. The Fence

A fence takes the brunt of harsh weather. Wind, snow, and rain pummel these structures throughout the winter, and even the strongest fences can be damaged after a severe storm. Once the snow melts and the ground hardens, walk your yard’s perimeter and inspect the entire fence. Repair any vulnerabilities you notice. Remove rust and determine if the fence needs a new coat of paint or a wood sealant, as spring is a great time to tackle this project.

2. Your Deck Or Patio

If you have a deck or an outdoor patio, inspect it as soon as spring arrives. For one, you want to ensure they are safe and beautiful in time for summer, when you use them the most. As well, a deck or patio often requires seasonal maintenance, which is often performed in the spring. Since decks are often made of wood, ensure the wood is in good condition, and repair any vulnerabilities. Always fix any splintered sections to prevent injury. Look for potential safety hazards and fix them immediately.

3. Children’s Play Set

If you have children and a yard, then there’s a good chance you have some sort of play set in your backyard. It’s crucial to check it as soon as warm weather arrives and before you let your kids play on it. Long winters can damage playscapes and make them unsafe. Test the equipment, and ensure swings and slides can still withstand weight. If you see rusted chains and cracked plastic, perform all necessary repairs before you allow your children near them.

4. The Exterior Foundation

Your home’s foundation is integral to its structural integrity. It is also an area that when cracked or damaged, can let water and pests into your home. Winter's extreme temperature fluctuations can cause your foundation to crack over time. Each spring, carefully examine your home’s exterior foundation. Look for cracks or vulnerabilities, and repair them immediately. The sooner you repair foundation issues, the better. If you ignore them, the problem will get worse.

5. Gutters And Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts require regular cleaning and maintenance, especially before and after the winter. Heavy snow, ice, and debris can weigh down gutters, causing damage that may require immediate attention. Check the gutters and downspouts every spring. Even if they look okay, you should take the time to clear them of leaves, twigs, and other debris. This will ensure they function properly throughout the spring and summer.

6. The Roof

When you get on a ladder to check the gutters, also inspect the roof. Winter can damage a roof, and it’s always best to repair any issues as soon as you notice them. Look for worn or missing shingles and other red flags. Repairing a damaged roof quickly can save you thousands of dollars in potential water damage.

7. Garden Infrastructure

Spring is peak gardening season. Before you buy all your spring gardening essentials, check your garden beds and equipment. Ensure raised beds are in good shape, and inspect fencing and other outdoor structures. Repair any damaged areas, and add any broken items to your spring gardening shopping list. Checking your garden in advance will save you from making additional trips to the store.

8. The Grill

If you keep your grill outdoors throughout the winter, you’ll want to inspect it as soon as spring arrives. Remove the cover and wipe down the entire appliance. Scrub away dirt and rust, and perform seasonal maintenance. Test the grill to ensure it still functions properly. If there is an issue, repair it or consider investing in a new grill before the peak summer barbecue season arrives.

9. Outdoor Furniture

While some outdoor furniture is best stored indoors, other pieces live outside throughout the winter. If you have outdoor furniture that stays outside year-round, you’ll want to inspect and test it in the early spring. You may need to repair heavy wooden furniture or apply an additional coat of stain. Cast iron items might need a thorough scrubbing and an additional coat of paint.

10. Window Screens

With a screened-in porch or pool area, you must ensure the window screens are in good shape after a long winter. Strong winds and fallen branches can damage screens, reducing their effectiveness at keeping insects out. Repair holes and rips promptly, before peak mosquito season arrives. Remember to replace window screens every decade or so. If you find many holes or rips in the mesh, you should start budgeting to replace them.

11. Exterior Plumbing And Hoses

Cold winters can damage your outdoor pipes and hoses. Once the weather improves, inspect and test all your outdoor plumbing, spigots, and hoses. Performing these tests early in the season gives you time to repair any damage and helps prevent potential flooding.

12. AC Units

Your HVAC system and AC units require attention and maintenance each spring. The HVAC system lives outside, and if you keep wall units installed throughout the winter, they are also susceptible to damage from extreme winter weather. Inspect, test, and maintain AC units each spring to ensure they function optimally in the summer.

13. Sprinkler System

A sprinkler or irrigation system in your yard should be checked to make sure it's in working order as soon as spring arrives. Hoses and hardware are often damaged in the winter. Test these systems, and confirm there are no leaks or vulnerabilities. Your irrigation system should function flawlessly before the summer because if there are leaks, you can experience a high water bill and unnecessary flooding problems in your yard.

14. Compost 

A compost pile usually remains covered or stored it in the winter. Once spring arrives, you should inspect and prepare your compost for gardening season. Ensure it is ready to use in your garden, and confirm it wasn’t damaged or contaminated in the winter.

15. Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is important for anyone with a yard, as it helps keep burglars and nocturnal pests out of your yard and illuminates your home, improving curb appeal. Winter weather can damage exterior lights. In early spring, test all the exterior lights and ensure they are all functioning optimally. Make all necessary repairs when you come across anything that is damaged.

Summing Up Outdoor Items To Inspect And Repair This Spring

As you prepare your exterior spaces for an eventful summer, you should take time to inspect and maintain your outdoor property. Some of the most important structures you should check after winter subsides include fences, the roof, gutters, and the exterior foundation. If you have children’s playsets, check they are safe before allowing children to use them in the spring.

Test and repair your grill, irrigation system, and outdoor plumbing. Inspect and repair outdoor furniture, garden infrastructure, and window screens before warm weather arrives.

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