My Top 10 May Home Maintenance Tips for East Tennessee Homeowners

Hey there, East Tennessee neighbors! It's Nick with Hi-Spec Property Inspections. May’s blooming dogwoods and humid air signal it’s time to prep our homes for summer. These 10 tasks are my go-to for keeping your home cozy, safe, and ready for those hot months ahead. Let’s dive in!

1. Clear Those Gutters

Spring rains hit hard here, and I’ve seen the havoc clogged gutters can wreak on a home. Grab a ladder and gloves and scoop out leaves and mud. Make sure downspouts push water 5–10 feet from your foundation—our clay soil doesn’t drain well. Check for loose brackets, too. Clean gutters keep your home dry and happy.

2. Get Your AC Ready

I've personally experienced a failed heat pump in June—miserable! Schedule a pro tune-up now ($100–$200) to clean coils and check refrigerant. Swap out air filters (every 1–3 months) for cool, clean air. With East Tennessee’s humidity creeping up, a tuned AC saves you from sweaty nights and high bills.

3. Check Manufactured Home Underbellies

Torn belly wraps allow humidity to ruin insulation and are an open invitation to pests. Peek under your home for tears, wet spots, or pest nests. Patch with woven polyethylene—it’s tough and affordable. A solid underbelly keeps your floors warm and mold at bay in our damp climate.

4. Peek at Your Roof

We're all familiar with the winds in East Tennessee and the destruction they can cause. Small roof leaks can quickly turn into big repairs. Use binoculars to check for missing shingles or chimney cracks. If anything looks off, call a roofer ($150–$300 for inspections). Catching issues now saves you from summer storm headaches.

5. Spruce Up Decks

Nothing beats a Tennessee evening on a clean deck. Our humidity rots wood fast, so power wash your deck ($40–$100 to rent locally) and apply a waterproof sealant. Use eco-friendly cleaners to protect our habitats. A sealed deck looks great for barbecues and lasts longer in our wet springs.

6. Test Detectors

With summer grilling and storms coming, I always remind folks to test smoke and CO detectors. Press the test button and swap batteries if they’re old. Replace units over 10 years.

7. Scope Out Crawlspaces

Mold can be a serious issue if crawlspaces aren't maintained. Vapor barriers play a critical role in limiting moisture creeping up from the soil and condensing on surfaces. Our clay soil traps moisture, so check your crawlspace or basement for dampness or musty smells. If you have a vapor barrier, check for tears or separated seams and patch them accordingly. If you don't, it might be time to consider having one installed. If you suspect mold, call a pro. A dry crawlspace means healthier air and a stronger home.

8. Trim Trees

East Tennessee’s trees are gorgeous, but overgrown branches can crash during storms. Cut branches away from your roof, and if they are growing close to power lines, call an arborist - better safe than sorry. Prune shrubs for airflow to fight mold. For big jobs, hire a local tree service. Stay safe out there!

9. Seal Windows and Doors

Humid air and bugs love sneaking through leaky seals. I check weatherstripping on every inspection, and you should too. Look for cracks in caulk or worn strips around windows and doors. Replace them ($10–$20 per door) to keep cool air in and critters out. It’s a small fix for big savings.

10. Love Your Lawn

A lush lawn makes our communities shine, but our clay soil and heavy rains are tough. Aerate your yard ($50–$100 to rent) to help roots breathe and overseed to fill in those thin spots. Watch for late frosts before planting veggies. Your lawn will thank you all summer!

Neighborly Tips

• Team Up: Make maintenance a family or neighbor project—grab a cool drink and tackle gutters together!

• Shop Local: Hit your hardware stores for all your need supplies like sealant or filters.

• Go Green: Use biodegradable cleaners to keep our Tennessee rivers sparkling.

• Ask Me: Got questions? Call me at Hi-Spec—I love chatting about home care!

Conclusion

May’s the month to give your East Tennessee home some love. Pick one task, like clearing gutters, and feel that pride kick in. I’m here to help, so drop me a line with questions or book an inspection with Hi-Spec Property Inspections!