Spring Home Maintenance in Calgary
Spring is here, and that means Spring Home Maintenance begins in Calgary. It’s time to give our homes some much-needed attention after some harsh winter months. The cold weather can cause damage to your property, and it’s important to address any issues before they become bigger problems. From cleaning gutters to priming up the BBQ there are many things you can do to prepare your home for spring. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, there’s sure to be some useful tips for keeping your home in top condition.
Interior Spring Home Maintenance
It’s not quite summer yet, and unfortunately there is still snow on the ground. That’s why we’ll look to begin our maintenance indoors before moving outside:
- Inspect your Attic and Basement – Look for any signs of water damage or leaks. Look for any signs of mold or mildew and get them removed. You should also inspect your insulation and replace it if necessary to improve energy efficiency.
- Clean your Fireplace and Chimney – If you have a fireplace it’s important to clean out all the ash and soot that’s accumulated over the winter. This will prevent any potential fires and ensure that your chimney is exhausting properly.
- Change Furnace Air Filters – Replace air filters to ensure proper air flow and to reduce allergens. This one is standard maintenance typically required every 3 months or so.
- Service your Heating system – Schedule a routine cleaning and maintenance appointment for your heating system to ensure it’s operating efficiently.
- Test sump pump – Make sure it’s working correctly to prevent flooding. As snow begins to melt, and rainy times upon us this critical system will prevent unwanted moisture from entering our homes.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors – While not specific to Spring it’s never a bad time to make sure they’re working correctly and replace batteries if necessary.
- Clean and organize – Spring is a great time to declutter and deep clean your home.
- Clean your appliances – That includes your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher. This will improve their efficiency and lifespan.
Exterior Spring Home Maintenance
The exterior of your home is the first line of defence against the elements. Here are some tips to keep it in good condition for you to tackle as the weather begins to warm up:- Inspect your roof – Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as missing or cracked shingles, or leaks. Start by viewing your roof from ground level. Then if needed, hire a professional if you’re concerned your roof requires a closer look.
- Clean gutters and downspouts – Your gutters may have accumulated debris during the winter, which can cause them to clog and not function properly. This can lead to water damage and other issues. Take some time to clean out your gutters and ensure that they are in good working order. Make sure the downspouts are directing water away from the foundation.
- Check the foundation – Look for any cracks or signs of shifting. Address any issues as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
- Repair walkways and driveways – Fix any cracks or uneven areas. This will help to prevent water intrusion from causing further damage, and help prevent tripping hazards.
- Clean your Windows – Winter weather can leave your windows dirty and streaky. Take some time to clean them inside and out to let in more natural light and improve the overall appearance of your home.
Also, check for any cracks, gaps, or drafts around them. Seal any openings to prevent air leaks and to improve energy efficiency. Same goes for doors. You should also inspect the caulking and weather stripping and replace them if necessary. - Power wash siding/ exterior – Remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated over the winter months. Look for cracks, warping, or any other signs of wear and tear while you’re doing so. If you find any issues, make sure to have them repaired to prevent any further damage.
- Clean your Dryer Vent – Lint can accumulate in your dryer vent and become a fire hazard if not cleaned out regularly. Take some time to clean out your dryer vent to reduce the risk of a fire and improve the efficiency of your dryer.
- Clean and fire up your BBQ – Nothing says goodbye winter like firing up the BBQ. Give those grills a good scrub. Vacuum any debris left behind, clear out the grease tray, and light it up!
- Inspect your roof – Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as missing or cracked shingles, or leaks. Start by viewing your roof from ground level. Then if needed, hire a professional if you’re concerned your roof requires a closer look.
Spring Landscape Maintenance
- Spring is also a time to prepare your yard for the growing season. Here are some things to consider:
- Clean your Outdoor Spaces – After the long winter, your outdoor spaces will need some love. Clear any debris, dead leaves, or branches that may have accumulated. Clean your patio or deck and inspect it for any signs of damage or rot.
- Prepare your lawn and garden – Remove any dead plants or debris and begin planting new ones.
- Prune trees and shrubs – Trim any dead or overgrown branches to promote healthy growth.
- Fertilize the lawn – Apply fertilizer to promote healthy grass growth.
- Inspect the irrigation system – Test sprinkler heads and check for leaks.
- Clean your Outdoor Spaces – After the long winter, your outdoor spaces will need some love. Clear any debris, dead leaves, or branches that may have accumulated. Clean your patio or deck and inspect it for any signs of damage or rot.
Hire professionals or DIY?
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Spring home maintenance in Calgary comes with a long list of tasks. However, it’s important to remember that not all of them need to be done at once. Realistically, most of us aren’t going to get these all done every Spring. Prioritizing certain tasks can make the list much less daunting. Consider which are most important to you, and which may be most important for the current stage of your home. An item such as inspecting the roof and cleaning gutters, can help prevent more costly repairs down the road and may be worth prioritizing. It’s also important to take on what you feel comfortable doing yourself. Hire professionals for more complex tasks, and sponsor a few neighborhood kids to help clean up the yard.
By following these tips you can ensure that your home is in top condition for the new season. Taking the time to maintain your property not only saves you money in the long run, but it also ensures a safe and comfortable living space for you and your family. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get started on your spring home maintenance my fellow Calgarians!