You can't possibly do everything in one weekend. After all, you have only two hands.

But it sure helps to have a checklist at your side as you tackle the spring home maintenance tasks that will help ensure the exterior of your home is safe and ready for the busy months ahead.

Put an annual 14-point roof inspection from First Quality Roofing & Insulation near the top of your list and we'll also check your gutters – an important task on the “heavy lifting” portion of your to-do list.

A partner can help with “heavy lifting” tasks

· Clear your gutters of the leaves, dirt, twigs and other debris that can impede the smooth flow of water away from your home. Gutter clogs can lead to expensive interior water damage. After we're done inspecting your roof, we'll reinforce your efforts by making sure your gutters are properly connected and fastened.

· Open the condenser – the outdoor portion of your air conditioner – and hose down the aluminum fins surrounding the coils. If you find clumps of grass, leaves or twigs in the unit, remove them first. Then call to schedule your annual spring AC tuneup.

· Wash your windows, indoors and out, and the screens. Vinegar can make windows sparkle and screens can be washed with mild soap and water and left to air dry. It's a time-consuming job, but it's better than going for the speed of a power washer, which can cause damage.

· Sweep your deck or patio. It may even be time to stain and reseal a wood deck.

· Rake your lawn and invigorate bald patches by removing dead soil, tilling it and then adding compost.

· Enliven metal furniture by removing flaking paint with a wire brush and sandpaper and repainting it. Clean the cushions with a soft sponge after mixing ¼ cup of bleach and a small amount of dish soap in a bucket with warm water.

· Hose down garden tools and lawn care equipment and check that they are in good working order.

Visual inspection tasks are crucial, too

· Circle your home and inspect the foundation for cracks. Then check the walls, especially near downspouts and under the eaves, for signs of water damage. If you have wood siding, check for any openings that could have been made by carpenter ants, birds, raccoons or other animals.

· Check the veracity of caulk and weather-stripping around your windows – your first defense against air and water leaks. You may have to remove and replace faulty sections.

· Ensure that your pipes, faucets, hoses and your sprinkler system function properly and are structurally sound.

· Test your gas grill to ensure that the jets are free of clogs and obstructions. If you have a charcoal grill, remove any ash or grease residue.

As you make your way through this list, you may find other things to do (such as repairing or replacing your window screens). Such is the nature of home maintenance. But with First Quality Roofing & Insulation, you'll have more than two hands at your disposal as you check roofing items off your list.