Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Manhattan Homeowners
It’s officially spring in New York City. For us residential property managers, it’s time to prepare our clients’ homes for the new season. The Top Hat Home Services team is out on the town, servicing clients’ homes throughout Manhattan. Here’s what we focus on to keep each home looking brand new -- giving New Yorkers time to enjoy the great weather.
Take it From the Top
April typically has the most rainfall, with an average of 12 rainy days. That’s why you’ll see our Top Hat team on rooftops, checking for damage that might have been caused by heavy snow, ice, or winds. We clear the roof of debris, including tree limbs and branches. By clearing the roof, you’re not only preventing leaks and extending the life of your roof, but you’re also helping to deflect the sun’s rays to keep your home cooler and the HVAC system from overworking.
It's important to clear the gutters and downspouts so water flows away from your home when those April showers come. If you don’t control the direction of the water and remove any obstacles, water can damage the roof, exterior walls, and foundation. Gutters filled with twigs and leaves also provide a cozy home for mold, bees, and rodents.
It is also a good time to set up garden irrigation systems before new growth comes in, as well as pruning bushes and trees.
Feeling the Pressure
Photo by Lauren Pelesky on Unsplash
Outdoor spaces take a lot of abuse over the winter. We recommend power washing outdoor areas, like decks and patios, at least once a year. The goal is to remove algae, mildew, and mold and protect deck boards from needing to be replaced as often. Before we start the hose, we’ll check for loose boards or other minor structural issues. We’ll also check the exterior water sources and reconnect hoses and other water features.
Go With the Flow
Our seasonal maintenance takes care of every small detail, including those tiny filters at the end of your faucet, the aerators, and the dishwasher drain.
We’ll also check the dryer vent. A clogged vent can be a fire hazard. Plus, excess lint reduces the dryer’s efficiency and lifespan.
Spring Clean
Photo by Rachel Martin on Unsplash
Warmer weather is a great time to do exterior painting of gates and railings to prevent rusting from winter exposure, as well as to remove clutter from outside and inside the house and clean the windows. Sunlight has been proven to boost serotonin, which lifts your mood. It also enhances the home’s curb appeal if you are considering selling.
Save Your Energy
If you notice that your monthly energy bill is running higher, it might be because the HVAC air filters need to be cleaned or changed. Checking HVAC coolant lines for proper insulation ensures the highest system efficiency during summer. We recommend replacing filters every season to improve indoor air quality.
Another way to save on your electric bill is to move outdoor furniture, plants, or other objects away from the external AC unit, as this will decrease the airflow.
For many of these spring homecare tasks, it’s best to have a professional do the job. Top Hat’s Annual Advantage Program acts as your property watchdog, stopping major problems from arising and future damage from occurring. Services are uniquely tailored for Manhattan brownstones, townhouses, co-ops, and lofts.
Happy Spring!
Gary Mindlin is co-founder and owner of Top Hat Home Services, a full-service property care and management company. Top Hat services homes in Manhattan and are known as experts in every aspect of building management, maintenance and repair, as well as renovation and construction supervision.