Preparing your Home for Spring: What to Check

The arrival of spring means it’s the season of renewal. It’s the perfect occasion to give your home some TLC, to ensure everything is in good working order. To help take full advantage of your spring cleaning, here is a list of things to verify, indoors and outside, to properly prepare your house for spring. We have also included a bonus plan to help you get it all done quickly and efficiently!

What to check on your home’s exterior

Just like us, our home’s exterior takes on a lot in the winter. As the snow melts and the temperature rises, it’s important to take a look around your property and inspect the following areas:

The grounds

Snow melting can lead to water accumulation, so be sure to check your grounds for this. Inspect the slopes and make sure that the soil around your foundation is not sinking. If it is not level as it should be, it is recommended to fill them with soil.

Take advantage of sunny days to rake dead leaves and debris, as well as to prepare your flower beds. It is also a good time to reseed the lawn where needed and to spread fertilizer. Choose eco-friendly products as much as possible. Your lawn may not be uniform like that of a golf course, but you will certainly contribute to ensuring biodiversity, which is excellent for the planet!

The foundation

The foundation is the base of your home, upon which it rests. Its health is extremely important, so be sure to inspect for humidity, crumbling and cracks, both indoors and outdoors. These can be signs of a water infiltration problem.

Do not hesitate to get advice from an expert if you find foundation damage. It’s the best way to avoid the problems worsening and leading to more damage.

The French drain

Take this opportunity to ensure your French drain is working properly. If it was installed correctly, it should run well for 30 years. Various signs can indicate that your French drain needs to be replaced.

Learn more about the the signs that your French drain is need of replacement here.

The roof

Your roof also had to face a lot of varying weather conditions. A simple check could save you a lot of trouble. If you have a pitched roof, do a visual inspection to confirm that your shingles are not damaged, to avoid the risks of water infiltration. Also, check the condition of the chimney seals, skylights and flashings. Be sure you are equipped to conduct these inspections safely, if you’re unable to do so while on the ground.

If you’re uncertain about the state of your roof, call in a roofer. Their expertise may be required.

The gutters

With spring rains and snow melting, checking your gutters and downspouts is essential. Make sure they are well anchored and are not blocked by debris. The exits should also be clear and the splash blocks pointed away from the foundation.

The exterior siding/masonry

Take a quick look around your home’s exterior siding, to spot any material that may be detaching (aluminium, vinyl, wood, etc). Have the problems repaired as soon as possible. Pay special attention to areas that are cracked, chipped, discolored, or moldy.

For masonry, inspect for cracked or worn mortar, bulging brick, damaged or crumbling sections, etc. A quality mason will be able to expertly fix these anomalies.

Exterior paint, stain and varnish can also be worn by winter weather. You can liven them up for the springtime with a fresh coat.

The balcony and stairs

To conclude the main exterior checks, remember to reinforce your stair railings and to spot signs of mold. If your balcony is made of concrete, look for cracks or signs of crumbling. If it is metal, see if there is rust. Make sure the steps are solid and level to avoid accidents.

What to check in your home’s interior

Now that you’ve prepared the outside of your home for spring, it’s time to take care of the inside. Here are the main points to inspect:

Windows and doors

Windows and doors will open much more frequently in the coming months, so taking the time to check them is essential. Check the seals and make sure the frames are still in good condition. This step is particularly important for wooden framing. Reinstall the screens if you removed them in the fall and lubricate the hardware (door hinges, latches, etc.) to eliminate squeaks.

If you’re concerned about anomalies you may have noticed during your spring cleaning, learn about seven key window issues in our article 7 Common Problems with Windows.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Also use this time of year to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace their batteries and clean them. We often forget this step, but it can save lives.

HVAC systems

The ventilation and air conditioning system is likely to be used heavily during the summer, so it’s time to make sure it works well and check the condition of the filters. Clean or replace as necessary according to the manufacturer’s directions. Also, clean the ventilation grate to optimize the performance of your system. This will give you better air quality.

The attic

Often overlooked, the attic deserves your attention just as much as any other space when the time comes to prepare your house for spring. Take a few minutes to climb in and check that the humidity and ventilation are adequate and that there is no water infiltration. This is also a good opportunity to take a look at the insulation in the attic.

The crawl space

If your house has a crawl space, ventilate the space by opening the air vents as soon as the temperature allows. Make sure that the screen is in good condition to prevent small animals and insects from entering. Contact a decontamination expert if you detect the abnormal presence of humidity or mold, so that the environment is not harmful to your health and that of your loved ones.

Download our free checklist

Prevent problems to prevent headaches

Doing a series of property checks in the spring is a great way to identify potential problems before they deteriorate and cause unexpected costs. By doing so, you will also save yourself from a lot of hassle.

Maintain your home, not only to maintain its long-term value, but also to benefit from daily life in safe and clean house.

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