March Home Maintenance Tips

March in Iowa is a month of transition, often bringing unpredictable weather that can resemble all four seasons in just a few weeks. As spring approaches, it's time to step outside and prepare your home for the changing season.

Clean Your Gutters

Spring typically brings heavy rain, which helps wash away debris left behind by melting snow. However, it can also lead to water damage if it seeps into your basement or foundation.

• Your first line of defense against water damage is your gutters and downspouts. To function properly, they must be clean and free of debris. If water cannot flow freely through the gutters and downspouts, it can overflow, causing excess water to collect near your foundation. In some cases, water may even back up into your soffits, leading to wood rot.
• Use caution when using a ladder, as some areas around your house may still be slippery.
• In addition to cleaning the gutters, ensure that downspouts are free of obstructions. A simple way to check is by inserting a running garden hose from the top.
• Secure runoff extensions at the base of each downspout, directing water at least three feet away from your foundation—though farther is always better.
• Here is something about me you probably didn’t know. While I was in high school, I started working for Seamless Gutter Company in Fort Dodge. They also had locations in Bradgate and Boone and during the 6 years I worked for them from 1973 through 1979, I worked in those locations as well whenever they needed the help.

Inspect the Roof

While tending to the gutters, take a moment to inspect your roof to ensure it survived the winter intact.

• Look for missing, curling, or broken shingles.
• Remove any tree limbs or debris that may have accumulated over the winter.
• Be cautious when walking on the roof to avoid causing unnecessary damage to the shingles.

Prepare the Yard

• Clear away tree debris, rocks, and any leftover landscaping materials or trash that became visible after the snow melted. This will help prevent damage to your lawnmower when you cut the grass for the first time this season.
• Identify areas that need repairs due to erosion or damage from snow removal tools such as shovels, blades, or blowers.

Clean the Siding and Decks

Winter can leave behind a layer of dirt that makes your home look dull and can encourage mildew growth.

• Avoid using high-pressure water on siding and decks, as it can cause damage.
• A simple cleaning solution of mild detergent and water, applied with a brush on an extendable pole, works well. Wet the siding with a gentle spray from a garden hose, scrub with the brush, and rinse thoroughly.
• Use the same method to clean decks.
• While you’re at it, clean and prepare your outdoor furniture for the season ahead.

Inspect Driveways and Sidewalks

Freeze-thaw cycles can cause the ground to shift, leading to cracks and uneven surfaces in concrete.

• Inspect all concrete areas for cracks or shifts that may pose tripping hazards.
• Address minor cracks early by sealing them with caulk to prevent further damage.
• If significant repairs are needed, start planning now. Contractors tend to book up quickly, so scheduling early ensures your project gets completed in time.

Look Forward to Spring

Once you've completed these home maintenance tasks, you can sit back and enjoy the arrival of spring—watching your yard turn green while staying cozy and dry inside your well-maintained home.

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Norwalk IA Real Estate – Jon Niemeyer, Broker Associate/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty and Associates. I list and sell real estate in Central Iowa including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill in the Counties of Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison. Call Jon Niemeyer at 515-490-4675.