Seasonal Mainteance
How do I get my home ready for spring?
As one of the world’s most Northerly capital cities, Ottawa sees huge swings in weather and temperature. To protect your home, follow these great spring maintenance tips as we move into spring during March and April.
Spring Maintenance
As the snow begins to melt and the temperature gradually rises, it’s time to prepare your home for the vibrant season of spring in Ottawa, Canada. With the change in weather comes a new set of maintenance tasks to ensure your home is in top condition. From inspecting your roof to preparing your garden, here are some essential spring home maintenance tips tailored specifically for Ottawa residents.
- Roof Inspection: Start by inspecting your roof for any signs of damage caused by the harsh winter weather. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or leaks. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line.
- Gutter Cleaning: Clear out any debris, leaves, and twigs from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and roof leaks, especially during the spring thaw when heavy rain is common. Ensure that water can flow freely away from your home’s foundation to prevent flooding.
- Exterior Inspection: Take a walk around the exterior of your home to check for cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, and damaged siding. Seal any cracks and gaps to prevent water infiltration and improve energy efficiency.
- HVAC System Maintenance: Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Clean or replace air filters, check for leaks in ductwork, and ensure that your system is running efficiently as you transition from heating to cooling.
- Lawn and Garden Care: Prepare your lawn and garden for the growing season by raking away debris, aerating the soil, and applying fertilizer. Trim shrubs and trees away from your home to prevent damage to siding and windows during windy spring storms.
- Check Outdoor Plumbing: Inspect outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems for leaks or damage caused by freezing temperatures. Replace any worn-out washers or damaged components to prevent water waste and potential flooding.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure the safety of your family by testing and replacing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Spring is a good time to review your emergency preparedness plan and update any necessary supplies.
- Conclusion: By following these spring home maintenance tips tailored for Ottawa, Canada, you can ensure that your home is ready to embrace the season ahead. Taking proactive steps now can save you time, money, and stress in the long run, allowing you to fully enjoy the warmer weather and outdoor activities that spring brings.
3 Great resources for spring maintenance
1
CMHC’s Homeowner’s Guide – The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation publishes a fantastic guide for homeowners that covers a variety of maintenance tasks and checklists to protect your home. Best of all, it’s free and you can download it here.
2
Your Neighbourhood Facebook Groups – My neighbourhood of Beacon Hill has a local businesses page to get referrals to professionals, a “buy nothing” page for giving away our unneeded things and a gardening group where my wife exchanges tips and plant cuttings to keep our yard looking beautiful. Your neighbourhood probably has at least one of these, and if it doesn’t they’re easy to start!
3
Our Secret List – Our team creates a publication of our favourite business and contractors that we send to our clients every year. Don’t have a copy yet? Just email me and I’ll be happy to share.
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