Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for St. Johns County Homes

Spring in Northeast Florida isn't just about blooming flowers—it's your critical window to prepare your home for intense summer heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season starting June 1st. This comprehensive checklist covers essential maintenance tasks every Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and St. Johns County homeowner should complete.

Roof and Gutters (Critical - Do First)

Your roof is your first line of defense against Florida storms. Spring inspection can prevent catastrophic damage later.

Roof Inspection Checklist:

Look for missing, damaged, or curling shingles from winter storms
Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights for rust or gaps
Inspect attic for water stains indicating leaks
Look for granule loss on asphalt shingles (appears as bald spots)
Check for moss or algae growth (common in Florida humidity)

Cost to Fix: Minor repairs $150-500 / Full replacement $8,000-15,000 for typical Nocatee home

Gutter Maintenance:

Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris
Flush gutters with water to check drainage
Repair sagging sections or loose fasteners
Ensure downspouts direct water 6+ feet from foundation
Consider gutter guards to reduce maintenance

Why This Matters: Clogged gutters during summer thunderstorms can dump hundreds of gallons against your foundation, causing $10,000+ in damage.

HVAC System Preparation

Your AC will work overtime from May through October. Spring maintenance prevents expensive summer breakdowns.

Essential HVAC Tasks:

Replace air filters: Do this monthly during summer (more often with pets)
Clean outdoor unit: Remove leaves, grass clippings, and debris within 2 feet
Straighten bent fins: Use a fin comb or call a professional
Check thermostat: Test cooling mode before you need it
Clear drain line: Pour 1 cup vinegar down condensate line monthly
Professional service: Schedule tune-up in April/May before peak demand

Cost Savings: $150 spring tune-up can prevent $1,500+ emergency repairs in July

Hurricane Preparation (Start Now)

Don't wait until a storm is approaching. Hurricane season starts June 1st.

Pre-Season Hurricane Checklist:

Test hurricane shutters or order plywood (5/8" minimum thickness)
Trim trees within 10 feet of house (hire arborist for large branches)
Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, decorations
Check generators and stockpile fuel stabilizer
Take photos/videos of home contents for insurance
Review insurance policy - do you have flood coverage?
Create evacuation plan and practice with family

Exterior Inspection and Repairs

Siding and Paint:

Pressure wash siding to remove mold, mildew, and salt buildup
Check for cracks, holes, or loose boards
Inspect caulking around windows and doors
Touch up exterior paint (UV damage happens fast in Florida)
Look for termite tubes or wood damage near soil

Windows and Doors:

Check weatherstripping - if AC bills are high, this is often why
Test window locks and hurricane hardware
Lubricate door hinges and locks
Inspect sliding glass door tracks for debris
Check for cracked or loose window caulking

Plumbing System Check

Indoor Plumbing:

Check under sinks for leaks or water damage
Test toilet flush mechanisms and check for running water
Inspect washing machine hoses (replace if older than 5 years)
Clean faucet aerators to improve water flow
Test garbage disposal and sharpen blades

Outdoor Plumbing:

Check irrigation system for broken heads or leaks
Test outdoor hose bibs for leaks
Inspect pool equipment if applicable
Ensure sump pump works (if you have one)

Pest Prevention

Spring brings renewed pest activity in Florida. Take preventive action now.

Seal cracks and gaps in foundation (focus on utility entry points)
Install or repair door sweeps
Trim vegetation away from house (12-inch clearance minimum)
Check attic and crawl space for animal entry
Remove standing water (mosquito breeding grounds)
Schedule termite inspection (required annually in Florida)

Lawn and Landscaping

Yard Maintenance:

Aerate and fertilize lawn (avoid fertilizing before heavy rain)
Edge beds and refresh mulch (2-3 inch depth)
Prune dead branches before storm season
Check irrigation system efficiency (adjust for summer needs)
Remove leaves from beds to prevent mold

Deck and Patio Care

Pressure wash deck and railings
Check for loose boards or nails
Apply deck sealer or stain (do before summer heat)
Inspect outdoor electrical outlets and GFCI protection
Clean and seal paver patios

Garage and Storage

Test garage door auto-reverse safety feature
Lubricate garage door tracks and springs
Organize hurricane supplies (water, batteries, canned food)
Check tool condition and organize for storm prep

Safety and Emergency Equipment

Smoke detectors: Test monthly, replace batteries twice yearly
Carbon monoxide detectors: Test and replace if older than 7 years
Fire extinguishers: Check pressure gauge, replace if expired
Emergency kit: Update supplies for hurricane season

Spring Maintenance Schedule

March Tasks:

Schedule HVAC tune-up
Roof and gutter inspection
Termite inspection

April Tasks:

Exterior painting and caulking
Pressure washing
Tree trimming

May Tasks:

Final hurricane prep
Test generator
Stock emergency supplies

When to Call a Professional

Some tasks are best left to licensed contractors:

Roof repairs or replacement
HVAC system repairs
Electrical work
Large tree removal near structures
Foundation or structural issues

DIY vs. Pro Cost Comparison:

Gutter cleaning: DIY $0 / Pro $150-300
Pressure washing: DIY $50 rental / Pro $300-600
HVAC tune-up: Must be Pro $150-200
Roof inspection: DIY risky / Pro $75-150

Printable Checklist Summary

☐ Inspect roof and repair damage
☐ Clean and repair gutters
☐ Schedule HVAC service
☐ Test hurricane shutters
☐ Trim dangerous tree branches
☐ Pressure wash exterior
☐ Check windows and doors
☐ Inspect plumbing for leaks
☐ Seal cracks for pest prevention
☐ Test smoke/CO detectors
☐ Update emergency supplies
☐ Review insurance coverage

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for St. Johns County