With the days lengthening and weather warming, spring is a good time to get outdoors and tackle some larger home projects. Now that the threat of winter storms has passed, be sure to look for damage and make any needed repairs, as well as prep your home and garden for summer.

“Winter weather can wreak havoc on your house, leaving you with a long list of repairs,” said Cathy McHugh, director, brand management at DAP. “It’s important to prioritize and tackle the most important items now so that you can spend the spring and summer enjoying your home — rather than making costly repairs later.”

Don’t know where to start? Here are the top five “must-do” repairs from the experts at DAP.

Refresh around windows and doors

Temperature fluctuations and weather extremes can cause cracks and crumble in sealants around windows and doors. The resulting gaps allow warmer air to creep inside, putting your air conditioning and energy bills on overdrive. In addition, if the current sealant has any dirt build-up, the hot and humid weather of late spring and summer can foster mold and mildew. Protect your home and give your windows and doors a refresh and waterproof seal that stands up to the elements by applying a new exterior sealant like Dynaflex Ultra Advanced Exterior Sealant that will provide long-lasting all-weather, waterproof protection, resisting dirt build-up and water absorption. It also comes with a lifetime mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant guarantee. It’s easy to apply and is paint-ready in just an hour, allowing you to quickly repair problem areas.

Repair imperfections and surface damage

It’s important to take a walk around your property and inspect your home and outdoor living areas for surface damage issues caused by hail, wind, heavy rain and winter weather. Common damage includes cracks in sidewalks and driveways, as well as chips in siding. Address problem areas like these with an exterior filler, which can fill in exposed, vulnerable areas and prevent further damage. To save time and money, choose a multipurpose filler designed specifically for exterior repairs like Platinum Patch Advanced Exterior Filler, formulated with innovative Weather MaxTechnology for long-lasting, all-weather protection. The mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant formula create a durable bond that prevents discoloration, as well as cracking and crumbling over time. It is sandable and paintable and offers superior adhesion to porous and non-porous building materials such as brick, concrete, metal, composite or wood decks, vinyl or fiber cement siding, PVC trim board and more.

Trim branches and overgrowth

It’s finally warm enough to trim branches and shrubs that have grown closer to your home since last spring. One major advantage of trimming branches now is that leaves have not fully grown in, making it much easier to spot, trim and remove individual limbs. Branches should be kept at least five to seven feet away from the home so they don’t bring added moisture or leaves to roofing or siding. This distance also will help discourage squirrels and other creatures from finding ways to nest on your roof or in your attic.

Inspect your roof

Start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. Before hauling out the ladder, use binoculars or zoom in with a smartphone camera to spot obvious damage. If your roof has a relatively flat surface and you feel comfortable on a ladder, then go up for a closer look. Shingles that are cracked, buckled, loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. And of course, while you’re up there, be sure to clear any clogged gutters to prevent potential water damage.

Keep the cool breeze blowing

Just as you prepared your furnace for fall, now is the time to make sure that air conditioning units are in good working order. Change the filter, check hose connections for leaks and make sure drain pans are draining freely. In addition, remove any dirt or dust that has settled on the unit and connections, as blockages can reduce the unit’s effectiveness or cause it to work harder than necessary. If you suspect problems, schedule a professional to check it out now — rather than wait until temperatures really heat up.

For more information to help tackle your to-do list, visit DAP.com. – (BPT)

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