Spring is the perfect time to clear the decks after winter and get your home in order before the busy, hot summer arrives.
While there are plenty of tasks you can tackle yourself, such as killing moss and cleaning outdoor furniture, certain jobs are best left to professionals – otherwise you could end up in a worse position than when you first started.
To make your life easier, we've compiled a list of the essential maintenance tasks you should get sorted this spring – from decking and fence repairs to air-con check-ups – that will put you in a good position for the year ahead.
Article continues below1. Decking and fence repairs
UK winters can be tough on our gardens, and spring is the best opportunity to inspect for damage and carry out repairs in time for warm, sunny days spent outdoors.
With that in mind, take time to assess timber elements in your garden, such as decking and fencing, which are prone to moisture, debris and algae build-up, and call in the experts if they need to be fixed.
"Expert installers understand the nuances of working with quality timber. They know how to properly assess structural integrity, identify potential issues before they become serious problems and carry out repairs correctly without risking the guarantee," explains Leigh Barnes, Jacksons Fencing’s garden expert.
"Professional maintenance also ensures work is completed to the highest standard. For instance, when it comes to decking installation or repair, specialists understand critical details like ensuring grooved timber is installed with grooves facing upwards for optimal slip resistance and water drainage."
Chris Cunningham leads the creative vision at Vale and Eden, bringing more than six years of dedicated experience in designing and delivering exceptional outdoor living spaces.
Leigh has 20+ years of experience in the timber/ construction industry. Since joining Jacksons Fencing in 2019, he has been instrumental in leading the retail team, focusing on driving the timber division side of the business.
2. Roof and gutter maintenance
Your gutters and roof will have collected moss and debris over the winter period, which will need to be cleared during the spring.
Angus King, gutter cleaning expert at Checkatrade says, "During periods of dry spring weather, the moss on your roof dries out and becomes brittle while remaining attached to the tiles. When the spring rain inevitably arrives afterwards, the moss rapidly absorbs water, becomes heavier and can slide down the roof all at once," he explains.
"This often results in large clumps collecting at the entrance to the downpipes, creating dense blockages that prevent rainwater from draining properly. When that happens, gutters can overflow, causing water to run down external walls instead of safely away from the property."
If left unchecked, this could result in damp and structural damage in your home, so it’s definitely worth adding it to your spring to-do list. However, working at height comes with risks, and professionals will have the equipment and training to do it safely, says Derek Neilson, Managing Director of Apardion Ltd.
Derek is the Managing Director of Apardion Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading security and facilities companies, and brings his extensive security industry knowledge to the FRG Group.
3. Air conditioning repairs
It might feel like a long way off until we have to use our air conditioning again, but if the last few years are anything to go by, we know how suddenly we can be hit with a spell of hot weather. Instead of leaving this task until the last minute (when everyone else will be doing the same), get a head start in spring so it's ready to use as soon as you need it.
"In the spring, the weather is usually pretty mild, so if a technician needs to turn the system off for a few hours or even a couple of days for a larger repair, your house will still be comfortable. You really don't want to be stuck waiting for parts in the middle of a summer heatwave," says Lucy Arnold, Service and Maintenance Manager at PRA Air Conditioning.
“Spring brings a whole lot of pollen and dust into the air. A spring service usually means swapping out your old air filters and checking the ducts. This stops bad air from circulating through your home all summer long. Plus, a clean filter means your system does not have to work as hard to push the air out, which can help you save money on your energy bills."
While it's easy enough to change your own air filters, Lucy says it's wise to leave full maintenance to the professionals, as the system has lots of tricky electrical components inside which can be "incredibly dangerous" to mess around with. She adds that you won't be able to recharge the system yourself, as a special certification is needed to handle or refill any cooling agents.
Specialising in setting up rolling and one-off maintenance contracts for domestic, commercial and industrial customers, Lucy is a maintenance and servicing specialist at PRA Air Conditioning. Her decade of experience also includes quoting and designing air conditioning and refrigeration systems, quoting for installations, breakdowns and repairs.
4. Pest control check-ups
We’re not the only ones excited by the better weather – spring is also the time when household pests become more active as they search for food supplies and breeding sites.
"Carrying out pest control checks in spring allows homeowners to identify and deal with issues early, before pest populations have the chance to expand. Many infestations begin small but can escalate quickly once breeding starts," says Daniel Steward, Managing Director of Shield Pest Control.
While it is possible to prevent and get rid of pests in your home yourself, Daniel warns that it may escalate the problem if you're dealing with wasps or rodents and don’t have the correct knowledge or equipment.
"For example, disturbing a wasp nest can lead to injury, while ineffective rodent control can allow populations to continue breeding within the property," he explains.
With 24 years of experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has developed a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
With summer only a few months away, now is the time to book your appointments and get those spring maintenance tasks sorted and crossed off your to-do list.
For advice on the jobs you can do yourself, read our guide on which trees to prune in spring and how to clean decking.
