How to Prepare Your Missouri Home for Spring

Talk to your insurance agent

No matter how prepared you are, spring storms like tornadoes, lightning, wind and flooding can still damage your home. Are you prepared for that? Find out what kind of damage is covered under your homeowners insurance. Flood damage, for instance, typically requires a separate policy. The Missouri Department of Insurance offers resources for you to utilize.

Have roof inspected

Winter can be hard on roofs, especially a nasty one like this year’s. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s a good idea to head to your house’s topside and make sure there are no loose or missing shingles or other damaged spots that could lead to bigger trouble later.

Clean gutters

Check your gutters for any leaves, debris or other gunk, and clean it out to prevent obstructions. This is also a great time to check for any damage caused by snow or ice, so you can get that repaired and fend off any springwater flooding hazards.

Replace filters/clean vents

Water, range hood, air vent, even vacuum filters should all be cleaned and/or replaced regularly. Spring is the perfect time to switch them out. (Clean out the dryer vent while you’re at it.) If you house has a crawl space, also be sure to check the vents along foundation walls. Clear them of leaves and debris and check for damage.

HVAC

This one is probably best left to a professional, but it’s worth the money. Have a qualified technician inspect your home’s HVAC system. After all, you don’t want to wait until the hot summer months to find out there’s a problem.

Check smoke detectors

Easy to forget, smoke alarms and CO detectors should be tested regularly. Fire and public safety officials often recommend testing them along with the switch to and from Daylight Saving Time in the spring and fall. Whenever you do it, change out batteries and make sure the alarms are working properly.

Clean/prep the grill

If grilling out is an important part of your spring and summer routine, then make sure to keep your grill in tip-top shape by cleaning it thoroughly once you take it out of winter storage. Spring usually offers good sales on grill supplies, so stock up on your fuel of choice and then grill to your heart’s content. If you have a deck, be sure to inspect it thoroughly for wood rot, which typically look like soft spots or places where things are discolored, loose or splintered. If you find damage, repair it immediately. Even if you don’t, be sure to give the deck a good cleaning (method depends on what type of material yours is made of), then wood decks should get a new coat of stain or sealer. Once that’s all done, pull out your outdoor furniture from storage, clean it and replace any damaged items.

Prep yard and garden

Fend off any potential flooding in your yard by filling in low spots with compacted soil or gravel. Not only will that lessen your flood risk, it will cut down on potential water damage and the risk for breeding insects that love water — like mosquitoes. Check your lawn equipment to make sure it is cleaned, gassed up (or powered up) and ready to go. Replace any batteries or rusty parts, and make sure your lawnmower blades are clean and sharp and ready to go. To get your garden ready, the key is in the soil. If you haven’t already, get your soil tested or do it yourself. Then visit with your local Extension agent or do some research to see what your soil needs. Once the soil is happy, your garden is sure to grow a bumper crop.

Still have questions? We’d love to help. Contact us at 636-462-3500 or here.