Spring marks the beginning of a new cycle and it is a great time to take care of your home. You have to make sure that your home is in a healthy state, in order to take full advantage of the sunny days that are looming on the horizon. Here is a list of things you should verify to get your home ready for spring.
Exterior home inspection
Due to the harsh and prolonged weather conditions, winter puts several elements to the test on your home. It is therefore strongly recommended, as soon as milder temperatures appears and snow melts away, to carry out a thorough visual inspection of your property and examine the following:
Property inspection
Regularly checking the condition of your property is a crucial step in preventing and avoiding water accumulation problems. We recommend that you monitor the slopes and ensure that the soil around the foundation does not show any signs of subsidence. If a difference in height is noticeable on the ground, we recommend that you add soil in order to restore an adequate level. Sunny days provide the perfect opportunity to rake up dead leaves and any other debris that have accumulated on the ground. You can also prepare your flowerbeds. This is a good time to plant grass in bare areas and apply fertilizers, if necessary. It is important to choose eco-friendly products.
Foundation inspection
The foundation, as the name suggests, is the central element of the structure on which the entire house rests. It is therefore essential to carry out a thorough inspection of damp areas, potential cracks, signs of crumbling and wear and tear, both inside and outside the home. The presence of these elements could lead to water infiltration problems. In the event that there is noticeable damage to the foundation, we recommend that you call a thermography expert to carry out a thermographic analysis of the foundation of your home and thus prevent further damage.
Roof inspection
Just like your entire home, your roof has had to face harsh weather conditions. A quick inspection could save you from many potential problems. If your roof is sloped, perform a visual inspection to verify that the shingles are intact and that there is no risk of water infiltration. Verify the condition of your chimney gaskets, skylights, and flashings (if applicable). If you have a flat roof, and you do not feel comfortable climbing on it, contact an expert roofer to evaluate it.
Gutter inspection
With the arrival of snowmelt and heavy spring rain, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection of your gutters and downspouts. Make sure that they are not clogged with debris and that they are properly secured. We recommend checking the mouths of drains so that water drains away from the foundation and thus avoid the risk of water infiltration.
Building cladding inspection
It is important to make a visual inspection of your siding to identify materials that may need to be replaced, such as poorly anchored or loose aluminum siding, vinyl, wood, etc. Special attention should be paid to coatings that have a peeling, that is discoloured or has a mildew finish. In the event that your siding is brick or stone, it is important to look for mortar joints that could be cracked, missing mortar or crumbled. We recommend checking for any signs that your walls might be swollen. If anomalies are detected, a masonry expert will be able to fix them in accordance with standards.
The beautiful days of spring are also great for outdoor work. If your home’s siding is painted, stained, or varnished and shows signs of wear, a little brush stroke could be beneficial.
Staircase and balcony inspection
The last exterior elements to check are the balconies as well as the stairs. It is important to reinforce the ramps and look for any signs of mold. If your balconies are made of concrete, make sure there are no cracks or signs of crumbling. If they are made of metal, check for rust. Also, make sure that the steps are securely attached to the floor, and at the correct level, to avoid any accidents.
Spring home maintenance checklist
Before you can officially welcome spring, it is important to do some verifications inside your home. Here are some key things to consider:
Door & window inspection
With the arrival of milder temperatures, your home will be ventilated more regularly over the next few months. It is therefore essential to check the condition of your doors and windows by inspecting gaskets and casings, especially wood frames. We also recommend replacing screens if they have been removed in the fall, and to apply a lubricant to door hinges and all hardware to prevent squeaking.
Carbon monoxide & smoke detector check
At the same time, it is essential to take the time to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly. Replace the batteries and clean up any accumulated dust. This quick and easy step can save lives by detecting emergency situations early.
