Spring has officially begun yay! We all survived the cold, dark and snowy winter and everyone is now ready to get outside and start having some fun! So soak up the warmer weather by gardening, getting some exercise or just lounging around outside reading a book.

But along with all the fun stuff that comes with spring, there are also some important home maintenance tasks that should be completed now that the temperatures are warming up. Another to-list is probably not putting a smile on your face, but remember that a little elbow grease and minor expense can benefit your home in the long run.

The same philosophy is true for your personal storage needs. Yes, you could cram everything into a disorganized mess in a closet or garage. Or you could invest in a Cook Portable Warehouse with all the extra space your family needs, right in your backyard!

Here are 10 exterior maintenance musts to complete in early spring around your home!

1. Fill any low areas in the yard or near your home’s foundation with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause flooding in your yard, leading to foundation flooding and damage. This also prevents water from pooling, which creates a breeding ground for insects.
2. Check for any loose or leaky gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from your home’s foundation and are clear of debris. Improper drainage can lead to water in a basement or crawl space, causing expensive water damage.
3. On the ground around your home, look to see if any roof shingles were lost or damaged during winter storms. Because the summer sun can further harm roof shingles any that are cracked or loose should be replaced now.
4. Examine the exterior of your home’s chimney for signs of damage. Then, have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
5. Test outside hose faucets for freeze damage and check your garden hose for dry rot. To check hoses, turn the water on and put a finger over the opening. If the flow of water stops, then a pipe inside your home could be damaged and needs to be replaced.
6. Use a screwdriver to check out the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and your deck. If you find any issues, make repairs before spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
7. Inspect any concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Remember most exterior slabs should drain away from your home’s foundation. Fill any cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk.
8. Remove any firewood stored near your home. Remember firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from any structure. A great place to keep your extra firewood until next winter is in your Cook shed! If you are looking for more creative ideas for your building, then read this post!
   
9. Make sure all gas and battery powered lawn equipment are ready to use this summer. Cleaning the equipment and sharpening cutting blades will make future yard work easier.
10. Have a qualified heating and cooling professional clean and service your outdoor air conditioning unit. This annual service appointment keeps the system working at peak performance levels. Remember to change interior filters and clean coils on a regular basis

Ready to take the next step with your home’s storage needs this spring? Find an experienced Cook dealer in your area by clicking the button below!
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