March in the Midwest is a tricky month, teasing you with warmer weather and then sucker-punching you with a surprise frost. Now's your moment to get a jump on your home maintenance checklist before the real spring rush hits! Here is a comprehensive guide to the key tasks to tackle this month, complete with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to make this part of owning a home as simple as possible.
1. Clean the Gutters
Why: Over the winter, leaves, pine needles, and random debris pile up in your gutters. When spring rains come, clogged gutters can lead to water damage, ruined siding, and foundation issues.
How to do it: Grab a ladder, gloves, and a scoop (or an old plastic spatula) to clean out the muck. Then, rinse the downspouts with a garden hose to ensure water flows freely.
Pro Tip: Installing gutter guards can be a relatively inexpensive and straightforward way to reduce future cleanings. Screen types are typically the most effective and cost-friendly.
2. Clean the AC Condenser
Why: Your AC condenser (that big metal box outside) collects dust and debris that can block airflow, reduce efficiency, and raise your energy costs, especially if you haven't touched it since fall.
How to do it: Turn off the power to the unit, then spray the exterior with a garden hose to remove built-up grime. Be sure not to use too much force—no scrubbing or pressure washing is needed, just water.
Pro Tip: Spring tune-ups are cheaper than midsummer emergency calls, so book a KC professional for a complete HVAC checkup now if it's been a while since your last tune-up.
3. Prep the Yard
Why: A quick cleanup now means a greener, healthier yard once the weather thaws (and stays warm). Removing winter's leftovers ensures grass and plants receive the sun and water they need to thrive once spring hits.
How to do it: Rake up leaves, twigs, and fallen branches. Prune shrubs and rose bushes before buds break, and toss any diseased clippings in the trash, not the compost pile.
Pro Tip: Add a catch bag to your mower for quick leaf removal and repurpose the shredded leaves as mulch to get the most out of this chore.
4. Clean the Siding
Why: Not only can winter grime age your siding fast, but mold, mildew, and general dirt buildup can also make your home look neglected.
How to do it: Mix warm water and mild soap in a bucket, and use a soft-bristle brush or a sponge mop to scrub siding. Rinse with a hose. A long-handled broom can be used for higher, hard-to-reach spots.
Pro Tip: Skip the power washer, as it can damage vinyl siding or force water behind the boards, potentially creating other issues in the future.
5. Repair Outdoor Decks
Why: Snow, ice, and moisture cause decks to take a beating in the Midwest winter. These elements can lead to warped boards and slippery surfaces if not addressed promptly.
How to do it: Sweep off leaves and clear out the gaps between boards. Tighten loose screws, reset nails, and use a wood deck cleaner to bring faded boards back to life.
Pro Tip: Use a flathead screwdriver to remove debris from between deck boards.
6. Caulk Windows and Doors
Why: When caulk wears out, moisture seeps in. This can lead to mold, wood rot, or even energy loss in your home.
How to do it: Inspect areas around windows, doors, and trim. Scrape out old, cracked caulk and apply a new bead of high-quality exterior-grade silicone caulk.
Pro Tip: For a cleaner caulking line, use painter's tape on both sides of the joint, then smooth the bead with your finger and peel the tape away.
7. Inspect Walkways and Driveways
Why: Freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks in pavement that can become trip hazards or lead to costly repairs. Left alone, these cracks only get worse with time.
How to do it: Sweep and clean the surface, then fill cracks with a sealant (make sure it matches your sidewalk or driveway material). Use foam backer rods when sealing wider gaps.
Pro Tip: A warm day with dry weather is the best time for this job, as most sealants cure best above 50°F.
8. Inspect Roofing
Why: March is your last chance to spot winter damage before spring rains roll in. Loose shingles or failed flashing can cause major leaks.
How to do it: Walk your property with a pair of binoculars and look for curled, missing, or broken shingles, as well as any flashing that looks rusted or lifted.
Pro Tip: Call a Kansas City roofer for a free inspection if you're unsure. Catching a minor issue now is significantly cheaper than repairing water damage later.
Final Thoughts
Ready to welcome spring with confidence (and fewer surprises)? March is all about resetting after the winter chill and prepping your home for warmer weather. Want to skip the ladder-climbing or simply don't have the bandwidth? Call or text me today at 816-328-2887 for my list of recommended KC roofers, lawn services, and other experts in the Kansas City or Lee's Summit area! Let's keep your home in tip-top shape together.
