House Maintenance: Things to Do This Spring

Despite the grey rainy weather in Toronto, spring has arrived. This is a great time to be checking your property for any kind of issues. Here in Canada, freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and hail can bring some wear and tear to your home. In order to help your property recover from the stress it went through over the winter, there are certain maintenance steps to take. Let’s discuss some of these tasks.

Mold

Let’s start inside. It is called spring cleaning for a reason. For those of us who are sensitive to micro elements, we need to make sure that the dust accumulated around the house is cleared to prevent allergies come spring. While you’re near sinks, toilets, showers, etc., make sure you stay on top of cleaning since humidity and heat can made any mold problems you have worse. Check if the grout needs repairs to prevent damage and accumulation of dirt.

Windows and screens

You also need to check the condition of the insulation of windows and door screens. Due to exposure to sub-zero temperatures and snow, it is possible that your window glass may have cracked or framing warped. According to Shine Windows, when ice accumulates around your windows it can sit in the hinges or on caulking and wear it down or cause materials to rot. Hopefully nothing needs replacing, but many of these issues can be fixed by cleaning and recaulking the area. Failing to do so puts you at risk of gross bug infestations during the summer months.

Air-conditioning

In preparation for summer, you might want to contact your local air-conditioning service to see if things are running okay. According to Houzz Magazine, it is recommended that homeowners change filters at least once each season. Not only will air quality be improved and your AC’s lifespan extended if your maintain care, but you will prevent allergies this season.

Roof

When you make your way outside, a good spot to start your inspection is the roof. You don’t need to climb up there yourself; as you can probably spot issues by simply observing the condition of the roof. Do you see any shingle-shift, suggesting that some fasteners may have failed and need replacing? Any cracked or missing shingles? What about nail-pops? All will need to be addressed to keep your roof at peak performance.

Chimney

If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between bricks or stones. Have any fallen out? Is there vegetation growing out of them? Each signals water infiltration. Also, look for efflorescence, a white calcium-like deposit that indicates your masonry joints are no longer repelling water but absorbing it. Consider re-sealing masonry with a clear, impermeable or water-resistant barrier material.

Attic

Next, head to the attic. Search for signs that indicate insects and critters have colonized. Also, search aggressively for mold, which often takes the form of “gray or black blotches that look like staining,” according to Tim Gentry, vice president of technical services, DaVinci Roofscapes. Proper insulation and good ventilation will deter mold growth in the attic, so take action now to prevent the problem from developing in the warmer months ahead.

Gutters

Now, we shall check the gutters. Very important to clean the gutters from any accumulated debris. You can hire someone to do that or do it yourself. Usually you will need to scoop out all the dead leaves and debris left over from before the winter. You can scoop it out by hand, use a vacuum, or use a leaf blower. You should also stick a hose in there and flush it out. Once the debris has been cleared and you are sure no critters are up there, you should inspect the gutters to see if there are any cracks. During the winter, there is a possibility that snow and ice can accumulate and cause the gutters to fall under its weight. Cracks in your gutters can cause water or melting ice to flood your basement.

While outside you can check your venting to be sure that everything is clear of debris or other obstructions. Dryer, furnace or other venting can cause serious issues if not clean.

Basement

House basement is another important area on spring maintenance list. Here, you should check for cracks and damage around the ceiling, windows, or entrances to outdoors that melting snow and ice could get in through and schedule maintenance where necessary.

These are only some of the things you should look for as you prepare your home for the spring. While you might decide to save some money, it is always advised that home owners hire professional help when needed. Nonetheless, the importance of seasonal upkeep, especially after the wear and tear caused through the winter, cannot be stressed enough.