Print publication date: 03/07/2008
Spring will come...and there are chores to be done
If last Sunday was any indication, rumors of spring have not been exaggerated. The daffodils will come and the highly infectious "cabin fever" will fade away.
After record snows this winter, Quad-Citians are anxious to get outside and dig in the dirt, dust off the barbecue grills, hit the bike trails and assess any property damage perpetrated by Old Man Winter.
Even outdoor chores are looking pretty fun after months of indoor confinement, save for an occasional outdoor expedition. But enjoyable or not, outdoor chores need to be done.
Spring is a good time to check your home for winter damage or needed repairs, said JR Girskis, home repair specialist for Suburban Construction Inc., of Davenport.
Mr. Girskis offers these spring tuneup tips:
1. Check windows to ensure they move up and down properly. Nobody wants a window that won't stay up on a beautiful, lilac-scented spring day.
2. Check locks on the windows to ensure they're secure. Like everyone else, burglars are looking forward to getting outside too.
3. Check window screens for tears that need repair. With warm weather comes bugs, including mosquitos. If you can't repair the screens yourself, most hardware stores can do it.
4. Check storm doors. Do they open and close correctly? Does the hydraulic arm need to be replaced? Most of the better storm doors have a five- to 10-year or lifetime warranty.
5. Has ice built up in the gutters? Clear them of any debris, including leaves and twigs.
6. Ensure downspouts still are attached and flowing freely to prevent spring rains and water melt-off from draining next to the foundation and seeping into the basement.
7. Check the roof for ice build-up or any other winter damage such as loose or missing shingles.
8. Have the central air-conditioning unit serviced early so you don't have to get on a waiting list during the heat of the season.
9. Check and replace the furnace filter at the end of the home-heating season.
10. Check the sump pump to ensure it's working properly before the spring rains begin.