Spring Home Checklist for Sarasota Homeowners

Your roof is your home's first line of defense. Spring is the perfect time to inspect your roof for any damage caused by winter storms. Florida's summer rains can reveal roof vulnerabilities, and addressing them early prevents costly repairs.

• Inspect roof for missing, lifted, or curling shingles. On tile roofs, look for cracked or slid tiles
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for gaps or rust
• Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs, and debris
• Run a hose through gutters to ensure water flows freely and lands 3-4 feet from the foundation
• Check fascia and soffits for stains, sagging, holes, or pest damage
• Inspect attic for water stains, daylight gaps, or signs of moisture intrusion

With Sarasota's long summer season approaching, your HVAC system is a lifeline for comfort. Spring maintenance prepares your home for sustained summer cooling load by addressing airflow and efficiency before the heat arrives.

• Schedule a professional A/C inspection and tune-up
• Replace air filters, buy a year's supply, and set a monthly calendar reminder
• Flush the AC condensate drain line with one cup of distilled white vinegar
• Rinse outdoor condenser fins gently with a hose, with the power off first
• Clear leaves, grass, and debris within a two-foot radius of the outdoor unit
• Check thermostat calibration and replace batteries if needed
• Clean vents and returns of dust and pet hair

With hurricane season starting June 1, waiting until a storm is in the Gulf means competing with everyone else for supplies and repairs. Test everything now.

• Test all hurricane shutters, including accordion, roll-down, and removable panels, for smooth operation
• Check for rust, corrosion, or misalignment on metal shutters
• Label removable panels by window and store hardware in a labeled bin
• Verify that all bolts, wing nuts, and fasteners are present and rust-free
• Inspect garage door for wind rating certification or bracing needs
• Test motorized shutter systems and battery backups
• Inspect weatherstripping around all doors and windows for cracks or gaps
• Locate and review your home's wind mitigation report, if available
• Confirm you have plywood or panels cut to size for any unprotected openings

Humid weather invites termites, ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes into your home. Spring pest control combines exclusion, sanitation, and landscape management to keep common Florida pests at bay.

• Schedule an annual termite inspection with a licensed pest control company
• Walk the perimeter and check for ant trails around the foundation
• Seal cracks and gaps in foundation with caulk or expanding foam
• Check window and door screens for tears; repair or replace as needed
• Install or repair door sweeps on exterior doors
• Look for standing water in flower pots, gutters, low spots, and toys
• Treat standing water with mosquito dunks where drainage is not possible
• Store firewood and debris at least 20 feet from the foundation

With moisture in the air, mold, mildew, and algae can quickly take hold on outdoor surfaces. Spring is the perfect time to give your home's exterior a facelift.

• Power wash lanai, pool deck, driveway, and siding, using a soft-wash setting near screens
• Inspect pool cage and lanai screens for tears, popped spline, or popped screws
• Check screen frame base plates for rust or corrosion
• Inspect outdoor furniture frames and cushions for winter damage
• Clean and store cushions or repair as needed
• Check outdoor grill for gas leaks and rust, and clean burners
• Inspect outdoor lighting fixtures for moisture intrusion or dead bulbs

Spring is the ideal time to inspect irrigation systems and trim landscaping before storm season.

• Inspect sprinkler heads for damage, cracks, or misalignment
• Run each zone and check for broken or clogged spray patterns
• Test irrigation timer and adjust for seasonal watering restrictions
• Check for leaks at valves and connection points
• Trim trees and palms away from the house, aiming for at least six feet of roof clearance
• Remove dead, loose, or overhanging limbs that could become projectiles
• Keep landscaping from brushing directly against siding, windows, or roof edges
• Refresh mulch beds, keeping mulch several inches away from the foundation to prevent termites

The exterior of your home takes a beating year-round. Spring is the time to inspect, patch, and prepare.

• Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries
• Review family emergency evacuation plan and confirm meeting location
• Inspect exterior paint for peeling, bubbling, or mold growth
• Check caulking around all windows and doors; scrape and re-caulk where cracked
• Probe wood trim, eaves, and window sills with a screwdriver to check for rot or soft spots
• Inspect driveway, patio, and walkways for cracks or settling
• Fill small cracks to prevent weed growth and water intrusion
• Check water heater for sediment buildup, leaks, or rust around the base
• Flush water heater according to manufacturer's recommendation, typically annually