Spring has sprung: Your home maintenance checklist

Chirping birds, abundant sunshine, and melting snow — all signs that spring has finally sprung, which may have you itching to get started on that long spring cleaning to-do list.

While cleaning the inside of your home is important, it's also a good idea to perform routine maintenance on the outside of your home.

When making your spring to-do list, don't forget to:

Check your roof

Safely get onto your roof and look at its surface flashing, eaves, and soffits, and check for missing or damaged pieces of flashing around all surface projections and sidewalls. A damaged roof can let rain and other elements in, causing damage to your home.

Clear your gutters

While checking your roof, did you notice a lot of debris in your gutters? Be sure to remove leaves and other build up from all of your gutters and downspouts. Downspouts should also be positioned at least 6 feet from your home to prevent any damage to its foundation.

Inspect your windows and doors

Look for bent or broken hinges, frames, or edges. Also, check your screens for holes before you swap out your storm panels to make sure you don't have unwanted critters visiting you in your home.

Mind the gap

Whether it's from snow or rain, a lot of water flows through a driveway in the winter, which can create cracks when water freezes and thaws. Cracks can become a trip hazard, so if you notice your driveway or sidewalk has a lot of them, consider re-paving or filling the cracks to avoid injury.

Check your foundation

Check your foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. Expansion and contraction can cause openings that may let rain seep in. If you do notice cracks, be sure to seal them to avoid any water damage.

Change your filters

Replace your furnace filter and, before turning your air conditioner on for the summer, have your system inspected to make sure it's working properly. No one wants to lose their A/C on a hot day!

Trim the trees

Inspect the trees on your property for damage or rot, and remove any dead trees that could blow over due to heavy winds or a storm. This is also a good time to trim any bushes or trees away from utility wires.

Amidst all of your cleaning, spring is a great time to reconnect with your independent insurance agent to make sure you have the coverage that fits your needs for the spring and summer seasons.