Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Tips and Tricks

Is bundling up before heading out to work already making you dream of warmer days? Don’t worry—sunny weather is just around the corner.

That said, with spring on its way, it’s important to get your home ready to avoid any surprises. But how exactly can you prepare your house for the new season?

Spring Home Inspection: Key Tips for Success

Source: Canva

Inspect Your Roof

A roof inspection should be featured on all homeowners’ to-do lists. Damaged shingles should be repaired, while others replaced. Neglecting repairs may lead to gradual water ingress. Repairing shingles is well within everyone’s reach. All you need is a store-bought sealant, and apply it over the areas where there’s lifting to glue down the shingles once again. If you have a flat roof, check whether the rooftop drain is cleared of all debris and if the debris protection strainer is still in place. If your house has a sloped roof, check the parts topped with waterproofing joints, such as around the chimney's base, flashings, and plumbing vent.

Clean and Check Your Gutters

You’ll need to remove from the gutters leaves or debris to allow water to drain properly. Rainwater build-up on a rooftop will likely aggravate the risks of water ingress, mandating necessary repairs. While cleaning gutters might seem like an unpleasant task given the smells emanating from the channels, it’s rather straightforward for those brave ones who aren’t afraid of venturing out onto their rooftops.

To simplify gutter maintenance over time, consider installing gutter guards. Such an accessory will effectively prevent debris from obstructing your gutters.

Focus on the sections right beneath the gutters or nearby. If you notice water stains in said areas, your gutters are likely clogged. Bear in mind that clogged gutters will likely lead to water building up onto the rooftop instead of draining, causing water ingress that will result in significant damage.

This easy, time-efficient repair could save you a headache down the line. Gutters should also be securely affixed to the roof’s edges, otherwise, rainwater will leak between the gutter and exterior wall, damaging the siding.

Moreover, the SHQ (Société d’assurance habitation du Québec) recommends checking the gutters’ incline, which should dip 3 millimetres every metre to drain rainwater effectively. Pay close attention to the gutter downspouts—they should never be obstructed.

If so, use a broom handle to dislodge debris stuck inside the piping. Note that sections of the structure can easily be taken apart to be cleaned individually.

Head Up to Your Attic

An attic inspection should be done to spot any signs of water ingress. Such a situation might result from a lack of insulation, which should be fixed promptly. A too-high humidity level can also lead to mould growth. That said, take the necessary measures to improve ventilation.

On another note, vent grilles should be thoroughly cleaned to provide optimal yield. A meticulous inspection should confirm that they have an airtight seal.

Check the State of Your Chimney

If your house prominently features a brick chimney, monitor the state of the mortar joints and hire a professional to carry out any necessary repairs (repointing). Pay close attention to the top part of the chimney since the joints are exposed to all sorts of weather and tend to deteriorate faster. 

To ensure your chimney remains in tip-top shape for the foreseeable future, use waterproof protection to prevent potential joint repairs. Such protection can be applied over all the exterior walls to shield your home from water ingress and mortar joint deterioration. It’s also important to hire a service company specializing in chimney sweeping. 

Inspect Your Exterior Siding

Walk the perimeter of your house to spot any damage. If your house is clad with brick and mortar, make sure all the joints are sound, as you did with your chimney. Hiring a specialist is often recommended to ensure all repairs are carefully done.

Water infiltrating via the mortar joints can have disastrous consequences on your exterior siding. Moreover, to prevent deterioration, check whether your brick cladding is bulging or bowing (outward swelling of a brick wall).

In doing so, make sure the sealant (caulk) around your windows is still reliable and that there are no risks of water-related damage.

Check for cracks when inspecting the exterior siding. If there’s visible cracking, hire a professional to assess the extent of the damage and proceed with the appropriate repairs. Pay close attention to the presence of white deposits or mould on exterior walls. Said white stains are a sign of efflorescence, which occurs when water leaks through exterior siding. The white stains appear as a result of water seeping inside the concrete, dissolving the salts found in the ingredients.

If you have an efflorescence problem, carefully and adequately clean all affected surfaces to ensure your foundation’s longevity.

Wash Your Deck or Patio

Given the buildup of dirt on your deck or patio during the fall and winter, power washing it come spring will give it a much-needed refresh and restore it to its former glory. Naturally, for deep-cleaning purposes, follow our guidelines regarding the proper use of a pressure washer. 

Clean Your Windows and Lubricate Hinges

Unfortunately, there’s no way around it! Washing your windows is paramount to revamping the look of your house. There is no need to use a store-bought product; a mixture of hot water and dish soap is especially effective, provided you’re carefully washing your windows and wiping them dry in a circular motion.

Also, make sure the hardware (locks, hinges) is lubricated using silicone lubricant. Ideally, repeat this task twice yearly.

Check and Service HVAC Systems

As the weather warms up, ensure your air conditioning or heat pump is in good working order. Replace or clean filters, clear debris from around exterior units, and schedule professional servicing if needed. This not only improves efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your system.

Inspect and Maintain Your Basement and Foundation

Walk through your basement to look for signs of leaks, cracks in the walls, or excess moisture. Check your sump pump to ensure it’s functioning properly. Outside, inspect your home’s foundation for cracks or shifting, as these can lead to water infiltration or structural issues.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Spring is an ideal time to test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms throughout your home. Replace batteries and ensure each device is in working order. This small step is crucial for your family’s safety.

Clean Dryer Vents

Lint buildup in dryer vents poses a significant fire risk and reduces your appliance’s efficiency. Remove lint from both the lint trap and the exterior vent, and consider having the vent professionally cleaned if it hasn’t been serviced recently.

Examine Plumbing and Water Heater

Check under sinks and around appliances for leaky pipes or water stains. Inspect your water heater for corrosion or leaks, and flush the tank if recommended by the manufacturer. Addressing minor plumbing issues early helps prevent costly repairs later.

Check Windows and Doors for Air Leaks

Inspect the caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors. Replace any damaged or worn materials to keep your home energy efficient and prevent water intrusion.

Yard and Landscape Maintenance

Start by pruning trees and shrubs, especially branches that overhang your roof, touch your siding, or block walkways. This not only encourages healthy growth but also helps protect your home from damage during spring storms. Next, clear away fallen debris, rake the lawn, and check for any signs of winter damage.

Inspect Outdoor Lighting and Irrigation

Test all exterior lights and replace burnt-out bulbs. Run your sprinkler or irrigation system to check for leaks, broken heads, or other issues, ensuring your landscaping is ready for the growing season.

Declutter and Refresh Your Space

Spring is a great time to clear out the clutter and give your home a fresh start. Go through closets, cabinets, and storage areas, and set aside anything you no longer use for donation, sale, or disposal. Letting go of excess items opens up valuable space and makes your home easier to clean, organize, and enjoy throughout the season.

Getting Your Home Spring-Ready: Additional Pointers

If your heat pump sits at ground level, make sure it’s level with the ground—the earth may have shifted due to changing temperatures. If you own a central heating system, schedule a maintenance appointment as soon as the weather takes a turn for the better. Lastly, don’t overlook your dryer’s exterior vent! Make sure it’s clean and lint-free.