With warmer weather comes the urge to get outside, whether that means playing sports, gardening, or pulling out the patio furniture to enjoy the sunshine.
For homeowners, this season of renewal is also a good time to make sure winter hasn’t caused any damage to their property by performing spring home maintenance. By creating a spring home maintenance checklist, you can be sure you won’t miss anything.
Why do you need spring cleaning?
In Canada, harsh winters can take a toll on homes: the cold, the weight of accumulated snow, and freeze-thaw cycles can leave their mark.
In this context, a thorough inspection is not a luxury, but a necessity. In fact, performing post-winter home maintenance helps improve the weatherproofing of openings to prevent water infiltration. It is also an opportunity to optimize the home’s energy efficiency and extend its lifespan.
Tips for spring home maintenance
Where should you start when inspecting your property? Here’s a spring home maintenance checklist to help you kick off the summer with peace of mind!
Check the condition of the roof
Snow buildup on the roof and ice can cause damage both outside and inside the house. Since the roof protects the entire house, it’s essential to keep it in good condition at all times.
Here are the steps to check the condition of your roof after winter:
- Visually inspect the roof from the ground to check for sagging areas, missing shingles, or loose roofing materials.
- Inspect the interior for signs of water damage: sagging ceilings, mold at the top of the walls, wet insulation in the attic.
- Thoroughly inspect the roof using a ladder: check for debris (leaves and branches), shingles with lifted corners, and damaged flashing or vents.
If debris has accumulated or there are signs of wear and tear, you should call in a qualified professional who has the necessary equipment to inspect the roof after winter and perform the work safely.
Clean the gutters
Cleaning your gutters in the spring is essential to prevent water buildup and protect your foundation from water damage. This is because debris can accumulate in the gutters during the fall and winter, blocking the proper flow of rainwater.
- Remove dead leaves, branches, and mud while wearing gloves.
- Rinse the gutters with a garden hose.
- Check that water is draining properly.
- Check that nothing is blocking the downspouts and direct them away from the house, ensuring that water does not accumulate near the foundation.
- Inspect the condition of the gutters and have any holes, sagging sections, or broken fasteners repaired.
To avoid accidents, it’s best to clean your gutters on a rain-free spring day and avoid climbing onto the roof.
Perform maintenance on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
To avoid waiting for a repairman during a heat wave, it’s best to schedule maintenance for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the spring. This also ensures that the air coming out of the vents is clean and maximizes energy efficiency.
Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off the power.
- Replace or wash the air filters, following the manufacturer’s instructions in the user manual.
- Clean the ducts (hiring a professional if necessary).
- Inspect the indoor and outdoor units, then clean the fan, air vents, and coils.
- Check that the system is working properly by turning on the air conditioner.
Check for cracks in the foundation
Repeated cycles of freezing and thawing often cause cracks to appear in foundations after winter. Not all cracks are a cause for concern, but some may worsen over time.
The foundation inspection should proceed as follows:
- Look for visible cracks in the concrete all around the house. Any cracks wider than 1 or 2 mm should be sealed by a professional to prevent water infiltration.
- Check for signs of moisture on the basement walls and floor, as well as in the crawl space.
Check that the windows are airtight
To prevent heat loss, drafts, and moisture buildup, it’s essential to check that your home’s windows and doors are properly sealed. This will improve the property’s energy efficiency!
Here are a few steps to follow:
- Visually inspect the window seals to check for cracks or damage and look for condensation between the panes.
- Check for drafts by running a handkerchief around the window frame.
There are several professionals who specialize in weatherstripping and replacing Thermos windows and can improve the weatherproofing of your doors and windows.
Some common spring maintenance mistakes made by homeowners
Although they mean well, homeowners sometimes make mistakes that end up being costly or even life-threatening.
Here are the common spring maintenance mistakes to avoid:
- Climbing onto the roof without taking precautions. To avoid a fall, it’s best to avoid climbing onto the roof when it’s wet. Better yet, hire a professional who has the necessary equipment to ensure your safety.
- Putting off minor repairs. A small crack, a dry seal, or a few missing shingles can quickly worsen and turn into a costly repair.
- Doing repairs yourself despite a lack of knowledge. Certified professionals usually offer a warranty on the work they perform.
Organize your home documents to keep a record of the work done
As a homeowner, it’s essential to keep track of expenses related to repairs and routine maintenance. In many cases, the contractor provides a warranty of at least one year for the work. Furthermore, when you sell your home, this serves as proof that the property has been well maintained over the years.
Edwix offers a turnkey solution for organizing your household documents, which includes reminders for when items need to be replaced.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Home Maintenance
When should you call a professional roofer?
It is recommended that you hire a roofer in the following situations:
- Shingles are missing or severely damaged.
- There are visible signs of water leakage on the ceiling or in the attic.
- The roof is difficult to access or has a steep slope.
- The roof is over 15-20 years old – it likely needs to be replaced.
What types of cracks in a foundation are normal, and which ones require an expert?
- A crack is normal in a concrete or brick wall if it is narrow (less than 1–2 mm wide) and is located mainly at the corners of a door or window
- You should consult an expert if the crack is horizontal or stair-step-shaped in the foundation block or brick and you can fit a coin into it. You should also seek professional help if you notice signs of water seepage in the basement.
What safety precautions should you take before climbing onto a roof?
- Obtain the proper equipment: a safety harness, non-slip shoes, work gloves, and a sturdy ladder.
- Place the ladder on a stable surface.
- Never climb alone: have someone hold the ladder and call for help if necessary.
- Do not climb onto a wet or icy roof, or on days with strong winds.
- Once on the roof, limit movement: stay on solid areas and avoid the edges.
- Do not carry too many tools at once to maintain stability. Use a tool belt.
When should the filters in the heating and air conditioning system be replaced?
- Standard filters (cartridge or fiber) should be replaced approximately every 3 months, or more frequently in homes with pets or people who suffer from allergies.
- High-performance filters should be replaced every 6 months, depending on the type of unit and how often it is used.
It’s a good idea to check the condition of the filter at the start of each season. If you have any questions, consult the user manual.
