While there are not many seasonal tasks for basements, there are a few things you want to keep an eye out for during the year. Seasonal basement maintenance is likely to make a difference in how your basement performs all year long. Whether your primary concern is reducing flooding during the rainy season or having a relaxing environment to cool off during the hot summer months, these simple, seasonal basement repairs are going to make trips to your cellar a little more fun and a little safer, too!


Winter and Rainy Season Basement MaintenanceThough foundation cracking is something that can happen at any time of year, winter frost heaves and soil shifts caused by improperly directed rain water make these seasons the two most important times to check for it. When dealing with foundation cracks, repairs are only as expensive as you let them get; identifying cracks early on is a sure-fire way to keep your fixes as quick and affordable as possible. Not every crack in your basement is going to be a problem, and in many cases, cracks may never need attention, but only a professional can tell you which ones may be cause for concern. Get a professional inspection and mark any cracks that are found with a felt tip pen, clearly stating the diameter at the time of the marking. Examine them regularly to see if they are getting any bigger, and pay extra close attention during winter and rainy seasons.


Basement Repairs to Reduce Dry Season CondensationMany basements become a little damp during heavy spring rains and quick winter thaws, but if your basement is showing moisture during times when it hasn’t been raining, there might be some other issues afoot. This is one case where proper basement maintenance is often a matter of fixing problems in other areas of the property. Since condensation during drier months can be caused by a number of reasons outside of your basement, it will take a qualified professional to pinpoint and fix the issue. Poor drainage, inadequate ventilation, obsolete plumbing and several other culprits could be to blame for condensation during dry periods, and a few simple outside adjustments or basement repairs are often a lot cheaper than the property damage and mold removal that can result from letting this issue go unchecked.


An Easy (and Agreeable) Way to Make Basement Maintenance a PriorityNo matter what the season, basement repairs and maintenance are much easier to keep up with when you regularly spend time in the space. Since most unfinished basements are used for nothing but storage, few people bother to frequent them (much less examine them!). By making your basement a more pleasant, pertinent place to be, you’ll notice small issues more quickly almost by default. Waterproofing, sealing and finishing your basement is both a great way to identify small basement repairs before they blossom into huge ones and an extra incentive to adhere to your basement maintenance schedule. It is also an affordable and effective way to increase your living space and add value to your home.
Finished basements are perfect for gatherings of all kinds, and are particularly convenient for activities that would be a bother in other areas of the home (think wood shop or band practice). The best part of remodeling a basement, however, has to be the fact that you get all the added benefits of new living space without the extra high price tag of a traditional addition!


Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/seasonal-basement-maintenance/#ixzz5As8d1opA

Too many homeowners believe spring maintenance is all about the cleaning. Sure, spring cleaning comprises a big chunk of any spring home maintenance schedule, but maintenance aimed at various structures, appliances, and systems within the home is, arguably, just as important. Nearly all homeowners love to see spotless windows for that first sunny, 70-degree day, but you can’t forget your roof and the possibility that ice dams formed over the winter. Indeed, just as much as that first spring day should provide an excuse to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also provide a reminder that your outdoor spring maintenance is waiting. Follow this spring maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist

• Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
• Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
• Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area.
• Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
• Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
• Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
• Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
• Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
• Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor.
• Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a foundation professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
• Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Perform a thorough cleaning. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
• Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a deck professional to treat your deck and fence.
• Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
• Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.

Source: https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/spring-maintenance-checklist/#ixzz59YTNw3QB