Check weatherstripping and door seals

Winter temperature cycling compresses and cracks weatherstripping faster than any other season. Check the sweep at the base of exterior doors and the foam or felt seals along the sides and top. Gaps that let light through also let air, moisture, and insects in. Replacing failed weatherstripping is a low-cost repair that pays for itself in the first cooling season.

Inspect caulk around tubs, windows, and exterior penetrations

Caulk that has separated from a tub surround or window frame over winter needs attention before spring rains. A bead that has pulled away from the wall, cracked, or gone brittle is no longer sealing the joint. Removing old material and applying a fresh bead takes less than an hour per joint and prevents the water intrusion that leads to drywall damage.

Walk the exterior and look for winter damage

Fence posts heave in Silver Spring's freeze-thaw cycles. Deck boards expand and contract, popping fasteners. Gutters pull away from fascia under ice weight. A spring walkthrough catches these items while they are still minor — before a leaning fence section falls, a loose deck board becomes a trip hazard, or a sagging gutter directs water against the foundation.

Test GFCI outlets and replace batteries in detectors

GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages have test buttons that should be exercised annually. A GFCI that won't reset after a trip should be replaced. Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries are worth replacing on a schedule rather than waiting for the low-battery chirp — which tends to occur at inconvenient hours.