by Dave Law, reprinted from RenovationsRoofing.com

It’s easy to overlook what needs some work under a layer of snow through the winter. Unless your roof is actively leaking, no one is prowling around in the frigid weather looking for things to fix.

However, when the weather starts to warm up and the sun comes out, unfortunately, is when our home’s exterior tends to look a little…sad.

You don’t need a ton of tools to make your house exterior sparkle again this spring. Simply use this checklist and a little bit of elbow grease.

In addition, just to reassure you: cleaning does make a difference. You might think your home’s exterior looks the same from year to year, but regular cleaning of even the outside of your house will help ensure it stays nice for a long time to come.

Home Exterior Spring Cleaning Checklist

Remove Debris From Your Gutters

Do you overlook your gutters? It’s a big mistake and one you should correct as soon as possible this spring.

Debris that builds up in your gutters and downspouts can seriously damage your roof if left to itself. It may cause water to back up and get into the soffit and behind you siding and walls. Further they will not function to direct water away from your foundation and may also attract animals to nest.

It can also start sprouting little plants of its own if left too long. At that point, your gutter system may end up compromised. You could end up spending a lot more money to replace it and other repairs.

Visually Inspect Your Roof From the Ground

As you are cleaning your gutters, take a visual tour of your roof from the ground. It is critical that you do not climb onto your roof due to safety reasons. Next, make a call to your roofing company for your annual inspection.

Spring is the perfect time to repair any missing or loose shingles and to have a professional get up there and make a thorough check. If you see something that looks like it needs attention soon, call a trusted roofing company right away.

Pressure Wash Your Home’s Exterior

After the gutters, this is the first thing we recommend, as it can tend to make everything else dirty as you do it, like your windows.

Pressure washing doesn’t have to be done by a professional (unless you are worried it will damage your siding or home exterior). You can rent a pressure washer for under $100 a day at your local home improvement store.

Start from the top and work your way down, washing patios and decks last. Spring is a much better time to pressure wash, as the plants in your yard are likely to be a lot smaller in spring and less likely to get in the way. Take appropriate precaution as intense high pressure can damage wood and other softer materials.

Make a note of any damaged areas on your siding or other exterior material and make plans to get repairs as needed.

Clean Your Windows

Many newer windows can be cleaned from the inside as well as the outside. However, regardless of the method, the best window washing ingredient is vinegar wiped with newspaper to avoid streaking.

Additionally, we highly recommend washing windows last. It’s not a fun job to re-do after you’ve washed your siding or cleaned your gutters.

This is also a great time to closely examine your windows to ensure there are no problems.

Yard

The yard is, of course, a whole job of work on its own. Now is the time to repair fencing, clean up your landscaping, have that pile of mulch delivered and re-paint any decking or fences that need it. Inspect your bird feeders, dog houses, sheds and anything else that was subject to the harsh winter weather.

Takeaway

Spring cleaning may not be the thing everyone looks forward to, but you have to admit it is nice to be finally being able to spend time outside again. That makes almost anything seem like a good time. Cleaning the exterior of your home is as important for its longevity as cleaning the inside. This spring cleaning checklist will help you complete the process.

The annual meeting for your Fenwick neighborhood Homeowners Association (HOA) will be held Tuesday, November 13, 7:00 p.m. at the West Field Elementary School cafeteria located at 17601 N. Pennsylvania Avenue. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in.

If you cannot attend the meeting, please complete the Proxy form that was mailed with the meeting announcement in October. Appoint someone attending to vote for you by proxy or you can leave that line blank and the Board will serve as your proxy. Drop off the proxy form in the clubhouse mailbox by 5 p.m. the day before the meeting.

The only vote scheduled is election of three board members, each for a three-year term. If you would like to be nominated please complete this form and drop it off in the clubhouse mailbox ASAP.

We need homeowners that care about our neighborhood and can dedicate some time to assist in a project, such as social events, maintenance issues, pool preparations, the Community Preservation Committee and more. These are things the management company does not handle. They’re all done by volunteer board members and committee members.

At the meeting, the Board of Directors will discuss what’s been done in 2018, its plans for 2019 and present the 2019 Budget. The full budget is posted on the clubhouse bulletin board now for your review. 

The Main Fenwick Homeowners Dues Assessment for 2019 will be $368. 

Who: All swimmers ages 5-18. Fenwick residents only, there are no exceptions.

COST: $169.00 per swimmer

COST INCLUDES: trained coaches provided by King Marlins, medals, ribbons, 1 swimsuit, 1 t-shirt, 1 pair of goggles, and 2 swim caps

Each team has their own team swimsuit, cap and t-shirt with their name and logo on it! The swimsuits are black with dark green panels, the girl suits are one piece and the boys will get swim trunks called jammers. During the enrollment process, parents can select sizes. If you are concerned about sizing you can visit the swim shop where the King Marlin’s practice, Lighthouse Gym.

Enrollment: Enrollment is on the King Marlin’s Website: www. Kmscsummerleague.com. Enrollment begins April 2. To ensure that swimmers receive their swimsuits before the season begins, parents must enroll by April 20.  After April 20^th, we cannot guarantee that suits will arrive by start of summer league. Enrollment will close May 18.

If you are unsure that your little swimmer is ready for swim team, please contact us to set up an evaluation day.

Season begins Tuesday May 29^th. This is a six week season with 4 meets and 1 All-City Meet in July. Schedule will be announced at the first practice. There will be four practices a week. We understand summer vacation time, therefore please try to make as many practices and meets as possible, but there is no minimum on practices you have to attend.

Swimmers Must be able to do the following:

• Put their whole head underwater.
• Know the basic breathing and blowing bubbles of swimming.
• Swim at least half the Fenwick Pool unassisted.
• They do not need to know every stroke but should know the basics of Freestyle.

Parents Should Know:

• Swim team and swim lessons are not the same. This is not individual instruction.
• Coaches move around the pool, therefore child needs basic swimming skills. 
• If parent is uncertain if their child is ready for swim team, an evaluation day can be scheduled.

SPONSORS! We are looking for businesses or giving individuals that would like to sponsor the Fenwick Frogs season. This would enable the Frogs to order kick boards, have concessions and give scholarships.

Have questions? Please contact the Frogs’ Parent Representatives: Kelsey Crawford (405)205-8572 or Ashley Hart (303)725-3342.

GO FROGS!

ENROLL NOW

Saddlecreek Pavilion Restored
Aug 2017

The Saddlecreek Pavilion in northeast Fenwick has a new look!  This covered, outdoor pavilion has been cleaned and painted, and the electrical outlets and nighttime lighting fixed. It’s ready for your next get-together or hangout!  

With a concrete picnic table, this is the perfect location for a picnic lunch, small group gathering, barbecue/grilling party (BYOG – bring your own grill), or a walking rest stop. The pavilion is located at the end of the Fenwick walking trail at Saddlecreek Way.  Fenwick residents are encouraged to check it out! 

DID YOU KNOW – The pavilion is older than all of our homes. The land Fenwick sits on was previously an oil field, and the pavilion was built so the oil workers had a place to eat lunch.

 

The Fenwick Spring 2017 Newsletter should be in your mail box.  You can also download here: