Spring has sprung, and in the Denver area, that means…snow? Rain? Sun? Who knows? The key to preparing for another Colorado spring is to be prepared for anything, and that means more than cleaning the house.

Springtime can be more tortuous for your house than winter, because the weather can change dramatically in no time. Spring also usually means the annual meltdown, when all that ice and snow flows from your roof to your yard.

To prepare for spring, consider these house maintenance tasks:

1. Clear gutters and downspouts

A clogged gutter today won’t cause much damage, but if left for months, it could send water where it’s not supposed to go. If you experienced the floods of 2013, you know that water going where it’s not supposed to go can be disastrous. Clogged gutters prevent water from leaving your roof and outside walls, where it can pool and cause leaks.

2. Check exterior surfaces

If you have siding, it’s a good idea to clean it with a pressure washer to prevent mold and mildew from setting in. Look at all of your wood surfaces for signs of weathering, rot, and paint failure. If you see any exposed wood, prime it and paint over it. Water and sun can cause structural damage to the wood itself if it’s not covered with paint.

3. Seal your exterior

Check all the caulking around the outside of your home and re-caulk as needed. You may also need to scrape out all the eroding caulk before you do re-caulk.

4. Check all your window sills, door sills, and thresholds

This is a great place for dirt and moisture to enter your home. Caulk any gaps or cracks in window or door sills, and make sure your door thresholds are secure when they close.

5. Treat Deck and porches as necessary

As a rule of thumb, all wooden porches and decks should be treated every four to six years. If you notice any rotten or worn boards in your outdoor area, get it treated. You’re looking for discolored boards, weakened boards, or other damage. Check all your railings, patios, outdoor stairs, etc.

6. Repair window and door screens

If you have holes in your window or door screens larger than a quarter, insects and other pests can get in. Patch holes as necessary, keeping old screen for repairs next year. Also, check the window and door screen frames and tighten or repair them before you repaint them to protect against further damage.

7. Clean the roof

Make sure there’s no debris on your roof that can clog your recently-unclogged gutters. Check under the eaves of the roof as well—the soffits and flashing—for damage. It may be necessary to repaint some of these soffits and eaves if you notice exposed wood or peeling paint.

These actions will help protect your home from the elements (especially moisture) of an unpredictable Colorado spring.