The happy buzz of Spring is in the air– warm sunshine, cherry blossoms, and the promise of longer days and outdoor dinners.
Whether you feel compelled to launch into Spring cleaning, or called to lounge in the sun spots, this list will help you prepare the exterior of your home for the new season and make Summer maintenance a breeze.
DIY roof inspection
Going into Spring, it is a good idea to check your roof for:
- Irregularities in the shingles
- Cracks in the chimney
- Areas that suggest animals may be nesting on your roof
Inside, if you can, check out your attic for any wet spots or water damage. If water is getting through your roof, early detection could save you a lot of trouble later on.
This will give you a general overview on the condition of your roof and help you make decisions about professional repairs and maintenance if needed.
Clear gutters and downspouts
It is generally recommended that you clean your gutters and downspouts before Fall and after Winter to prevent debris from building up and creating blockages that could lead to water overflowing onto the roof or siding of your home.
There are local companies you can book for this service, ranging from $140 to $300 depending on the size of your house.
Check your foundation for troublesome cracks
If your home is on a slab, you can skip this part! If you have a basement or crawl space, you will want to check the exterior and interior for any noticeably large cracks.
Concrete will settle when first poured and some cracks are normal; however, anything over ¼” should be looked at.
Freezing and thawing throughout the Winter can put extra stress on those “settlement cracks” and cause access points for water to creep in.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system care
If you have an HVAC system, set some time aside to review the standard care for your system, which will include clearing it of any debris.
You will also want to check that no water has pooled underneath the system, which is a sign the system is leaking and not working properly.
We also recommend changing your filter to get that fresh Spring air into your home.
Clean your windows and frames
Similar to your home’s foundation, your windows may be impacted by freezing and thawing. Cleaning your windows and frames will help keep them looking good and give you an opportunity to notice any issues that need attention.
If you have double-paned windows and notice condensation between the glass, this means the window’s seal has been broken and the window is no longer efficient.
Double-pane windows typically last around 20 to 25 years. Depending on the age of the window, you may be able to renew the glass, otherwise you will want to look at getting a new window unit.
Sip a cool beverage
Commend your proactive home maintenance with a seasonal beverage– we mention a few in our Things to do in Victoria this Spring post.
This is just a brief overview of things you should be doing as a homeowner. If you ever have any questions regarding your home, we’re always happy to have a conversation and connect you with experts we trust.
Thank you for being here,
Alex Hughes* and Ricki-Lee Jewell, Victoria, BC Real Estate Agents
*Personal Real Estate Corporation
