Spring into Home Improvements with ReStore

As Oklahomans, we’re aware of the harsh and oftentimes severe weather the winter can bring and the damage it can inflict on your home. And while we still have a bit of cold and wind to deal with, before you know it spring will be here with sunnier weather conditions.

Once that happens – when all the ice and sleet melts away and the bitter temperatures are replaced with fresh air and warm sunshine – you may start to notice the toll that winter weather took on your house. From missing roof shingles to chipped paint and deteriorating siding, there are a lot of things you might need to do to maintain and spruce up your home. You won’t be the only one in the same boat either, which is why now is a good time to start planning your home improvement tasks and completing that honey-do checklist to ensure your home gets the maintenance and attention it needs.

Below are some of the most common and valuable exterior home improvement projects to tackle during the transition from winter to spring:

Inspect Your Roof

Taking a look at your roof is one of the most crucial items for your spring home maintenance checklist. A roof may be considered the most important element of your house. Common repairs include swapping shingles, fixing curled corners, and repairing cracked shingles. If you see a problem, no matter how small, it’s best not to ignore it because it, could potentially turn into a bigger and more expensive one. If you neglect your roof, for example, you run the risk of what could have been a quick fix turning into a costly repair due to water damage.

Pro Tip: Your initial roof inspection does not require you to pull out the ladder. Simply take a visual inventory from the ground or use binoculars or your smartphone’s camera to get a closer look.

Improve Window Seals & Repair Window Screens

Once spring is here, you’ll likely be eager to open the windows and let in some fresh air. First though, make sure the screens are still intact and aren’t torn or damaged. If they are, this is a relatively simple fix. Check out Home Depot’s DIY home improvement video for the step-by-step process on how to replace a damaged window screen.

Did any areas of your home feel particularly cold this winter? The source of discomfort may be your windows. If they are not installed or sealed properly, they could be hampering your ability to keep the air at a comfortable temperature – and causing an unnecessary spike in energy costs. Winter weather sometimes causes caulk and putty in window seals to harden and deteriorate which, if not addressed, can lead to water damage.

Pro Tip: Resealing your windows is a quick and inexpensive fix for any homeowner and supplies can be purchased at your neighborhood ReStore. If you’re new to this home maintenance task, check out these various how-to-do videos on YouTube .

Replace Siding & Touch Up Exterior Paint

Siding is a vital building material for your home. It not only protects your house from harsh elements, but it also gives your house character and value. Having your siding replaced will boost the structural integrity of the house and help protect it from Oklahoma’s volatile weather. There are many impressive styles available today to choose from that are manufactured with a variety of longer lasting materials. No matter which siding material you use, be sure to consider the reliability, cost, ongoing maintenance, and environmental responsibility.

Wet winters, cold-intensive nights and heavy storms are just a few natural elements that can wear down your house’s exterior paint. Paint provides a protective barrier for the wood and metal of your exterior. That’s why repainting your home’s exterior doesn’t just keep it looking nice – it helps protect your home from outside wear and tear.

Pro Tip: Prior to starting your exterior painting, grab a notepad and inspect the outside of your home. Jot down what needs to be done, and use your notes to create a plan for tackling the project. Look for trouble spots, mildew and mold, gaps in your doors or window sills, and check for rotten wood.

Central Oklahoma Habitat ReStores offer great deals on quality new and gently used building supplies, home improvement products, furniture, appliances and a wide variety of household items. The prices are unbelievably low! Make your home improvements more affordable while helping make the dream of home ownership a reality for a limited-income family in Central Oklahoma. The Habitat ReStores stock everything from flooring, paint and fixtures to rugs, furniture and household décor items. Our inventory changes daily, and proceeds from our stores go to support our Critical Home Repair program. You can check out our Facebook page, COHFH ReStore, to see the latest deals.