Spring home maintenance jobs you shouldn't skip

Your gutters help direct rainwater away from your home, but in winter the combination of harsh weather and reduced maintenance means they can easily get blocked by leaves, moss, and debris.

Over time, blocked gutters can cause water to overflow, leading to damp, mould and damage to walls or ceilings.

If you ignore overflowing gutters, your insurer may decline a claim for leaks, meaning you’d have to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.

The good news is that clearing out a gutter is a simple task that can prevent a lot of damage. Inspect them from the ground, safely remove any debris with a ladder if needed, and test with water to ensure they drain properly without leaks or overflow.

Winter weather can damage your roof, making spring the ideal time for a careful check. Look for slipped or cracked tiles, damaged flashing around chimneys and skylights, and moss build-up that can trap moisture. 

Even a small crack in a roof tile, flashing, or around a chimney can lead to serious damage over time, causing ceiling stains, mould growth, structural damage and even electrical risks.

Therefore, catching small issues early can prevent costly repairs later in the year.

Come spring, your fence may be in need of some TLC. The harsh winter weather can loosen posts, warp panels and cause rot.

While it might not feel like a priority, a damaged fence can quickly become a safety risk to you and your neighbours, especially where children or pets are involved.

If it collapses and causes damage or injury because it wasn’t properly maintained, this could affect a future claim.

A damaged fence can also weaken security, making it easier for someone to access your property. If a burglary where to happen, in which case, insurers may question whether reasonable steps were taken to maintain security, which could jeopardise a home insurance claim.

Regular inspections, tightening screws, and replacing rotten posts protects not just your property and your neighbours, but it also helps ensure your insurance coverage isn’t compromised.

As spring approaches and the weather begins to warm up, it’s a good time to book in your chimney sweep while your fireplace is not in use.

Insurers won’t usually cover any damages caused by a chimney fire if it hasn’t been properly maintained, so getting this done by a professional is key.

Search for a sweep registered with the National Association of Chimney Sweeps and expect to pay around £90.

Safety checks are an essential part of home maintenance. While checking fire alarms and replacing batteries should be done regularly, taking a few minutes to test your alarms and swap out batteries this spring is a simple task that could make a life-saving difference.

Working fire alarms are also a requirement for home insurance. If a fire occurs and your alarms aren’t working, an insurer may decline a claim, so testing them helps protect both your home and your family.