Spring Maintenance for Your Home

Now that Spring has arrived in Edmonton & Vancouver, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning. We put together this list of exterior and interior inspections and fixes you can do before a problem gets out of hand.

Exterior Inspection

Eaves Troughs

You should clean you eaves troughs to allow for proper drainage and inspects the walls for any signs of water staining that may have been caused by the eaves overflowing. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris. Improper drainage can lead to water getting into your basement or crawlspace.

Roof

A visual inspection of your roof should be done to identify any damaged shingles or roofing materials as well as any areas that pests can use to gain access to your homes attic.

Siding/Cladding

There are several different types of siding that your home may have. Regardless of the type, there are some general things that you should watch for in order to maintain the protective envelope of your home.

1. Check for loose or missing sections. Most siding is meant to withstand the elements, but the walls behind your siding are not. Have any loose or missing sections fixed immediately.
2. Power washing your homes siding can serve two purposes; the first is to get rid of any insects that may be in the seams so they don’t build nests or cause any damage to your home; and the second is to clean any build up of dust.

Windows

Monitoring the state of the caulking and weather proofing around your windows can prevent air infiltration and any other elements that may lead to heat loss or even mold. Simply adding weather stripping and replacing the caulking can go a long way.

Foundation

Inspect concrete wall for signs of cracks or movement. The sooner you identify and deficiencies in your foundation, the less likely you are to experience any unnecessary damage loss of structural integrity or water damage inside your home. Always have a qualified professional assess the scope of work that needs to be done in order to determine the best foundation repair solutions.

Sump System

Maintaining your homes sump system will ensure that it provides continued protection to your basement while the ground around your home becomes saturated.

1. Abarent recommends that you manually activate your pump at least once per month in order to make sure that it is fully functional and hasn’t burned out become clogged.
2. Keep track of the age of your pump and replace it every 2 years or as per manufacturers specifications.
3. Reconnect your discharge hose (which should have been disconnected over the winter).

Interior Inspection

Furnace

1. Depending on the kind of furnace filters you use, either clean or replace your filters on a regular basis. This means at least every 90 days, and more often if you have pets or allergies.
2. Check your heating ducts for dust and animal hair, and remove large amounts. If your ducts haven’t been professionally cleaned for a while, book a cleaning with a professional service.

Weather Stripping and Caulking

Inspect the caulking on bathtubs, showers, sinks, and back splashes twice a year, and repair as needed. Check and repair weather stripping around exterior doors, windows and vents to the outside.

Appliances

1. Vacuum fridge and icemaker condenser coils, as well as the screen of your oven’s range hood. Your appliances’ manufacturer provides instructions on inspection and maintenance. Check your owner’s manuals from the time of purchase, or the company’s website.
2. Replace old appliances as necessary with energy-efficient models. This can help you save money in the long run.