As winter fades away and warmer days return, it’s time to give your home the attention it needs to recover from cold weather and get ready for the months ahead. Spring is the ideal time for homeowners in South Jersey to conduct a little home maintenance. To help you, the TA Hughes team has created this practical spring home maintenance checklist.

1. Inspect Your Roof for Damage

New Jersey winters can be tough on roofing materials, especially with frequent snow, ice, and strong wind gusts. As soon as the weather allows, conduct a thorough inspection of your roof from the ground using binoculars, or call a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation.

Be on the lookout for:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles, which can expose your underlayment to water
• Loose or damaged flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights that may allow leaks
• Moss, algae, or organic buildup that traps moisture and deteriorates shingles
• Signs of sagging, dips, or uneven rooflines, which could signal hidden structural issues

2. Clean Out Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters play a vital role in directing water away from your home’s roof and foundation. After a long winter, they’re often filled with leaves, pine needles, and other debris that block water flow. Clearing them out helps prevent water overflow that can damage siding, fascia boards, and landscaping.

While you’re cleaning, check for any sagging or detached sections, as these can be signs of potential collapse. Inspect any joints and seams for rusting or leaks. You can use a waterproof caulk to seal any issues. You also want to ensure that downspouts aren’t clogged and capable of directing water at least 3-5 feet away from the foundation. 

Tired of spring maintenance on your gutters? Consider installing leaf guards to reduce buildup and reduce the need for frequent cleanings. 

3. Look for Signs of Water Damage

Spring is the perfect time to uncover hidden water issues that may have developed over the winter. Start with a visit to your attic and look for:

• Water stains on rafters or insulation
• Soft or discolored spots on ceilings or walls
• Musty smells, which could indicate mold or mildew

Then, check your home’s exterior for peeling paint, rotted wood on the fascia or soffits, and warping along your siding. These can all be signs that moisture is infiltrating where it shouldn’t. If you find any red flags, contact TA Hughes to assess the source and recommend reliable repairs before the spring rain kicks in.

4. Examine Windows and Doors

Deterioration around the windows and doors can lead to drafts, leaks, and pricier utility bills. On a breezy day, consider walking around your use with a lit candle to check for drafts around windows and doors. You should also look for cracked or missing caulk outside, rotting wood trim indoors and outdoors, and any signs of condensation or water pooling. Replace or refresh old caulking and weatherstripping to improve comfort and protect interior finishes. Maintaining tight seals also helps keep spring allergens and pests from sneaking inside.

5. Check Your Foundation

Thawing soil and heavy spring rains can expose or worsen issues with your home’s foundation. Take a slow walk around the perimeter of your home and look for:

• New or widening cracks in the foundation walls
• Crumbling concrete or mortar joints
• Standing water or soggy soil near the base of your home

These could be signs of improper drainage or damaged gutter systems. If you spot any of these issues, it’s important to address the root cause—often a failing downspout or gutter setup—to avoid more serious structural concerns.

6. Check Vents and Attic Ventilation

Ventilation helps prevent your attic from becoming too hot or humid, which can damage roofing materials and promote mold growth. Be sure to check the soffit, ridge, and gable vents are free of obstructions and pests. Look for condensation the underside of the roof deck, which can mean a sign of poor airflow. Inspect exhaust fans, as well, to ensure they are venting outside. 

7. Trim Overhanging Branches

While trees are a beautiful addition to any yard and can help keep your yard cooler in the winter, they are also risky. Branches can scrape the shingles, removing granules. Heavy limbs can falling during storms. Leaves and twigs can also clog your gutters. By trimming back overgrowth early in the season, you protect your roof from damage and make it easier to keep your gutters clean throughout the spring and summer.

8. Wash and Inspect Your Siding

Use a garden hose or pressure washer on a low setting to remove dirt, mildew, and grime from your siding. While you clean, check for cracks, warping, or signs of insects. Addressing small issues now can prevent costly exterior repairs later.

Ready to Schedule Spring Maintenance for Your Roof?

Springtime is a fresh start, especially for your home’s exterior and roof. TA Hughes has been helping South Jersey homeowners for over 35 years with reliable roofing, gutter, and siding services. Whether you need routine spring maintenance, a full roof inspection, gutter repairs, or advice on preventing water damage, our team is here to help.

Call TA Hughes at 856-845-8505 or fill out our online form to schedule spring maintenance services. Let’s get your home ready for the season—starting at the top.