Spring has arrived and warmer weather is ahead, which means it’s also time to get started on your spring home maintenance. I know, I know, we just made it out of winter — but believe me, this is one job you don’t want to put off. In the spring a lot of people start planning renovations around the home, but I want to remind you to take care of maintenance tasks first. If you take good care of your home and perform necessary maintenance, you can avoid taking on unneeded costly repairs down the road.
Keep in mind, if you have any work that requires an expert, the sooner you can bring someone in, the better, as contractors’ schedules tend to fill up fast once spring arrives.
Check Your Foundation
Walk around the exterior of your home and look for cracks in your foundation. Mark any cracks that you come across with tape and check them every three months. If the crack doesn’t grow, it can usually be filled with an epoxy injection. Some hairline cracks are normal but if you find a foundation crack that is large enough to fit a coin in, it’s time to call a professional — do not attempt to fix it yourself, you could do more damage than good. If your basement is unfinished, make sure you repeat this process indoors.
Inspect Your Bricks
The mortar between exterior bricking needs regular maintenance. If you notice that it’s crumbling, this can cause problems like loose bricks, or cause water to penetrate the wall, damaging the structure behind the bricks. The process to fix crumbling mortar is called tuck-pointing, which involves scraping out the old mortar and replacing it with new. The new mortar should seal any gaps between the bricks to keep everything in place.
Look Up Top
Winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof. Do a visual inspection of your roof to look for signs of wear and tear. Peeling or missing shingles are a sign that it may be time to replace your roof.
While you’re inspecting your roof, have a look at your eavestroughs. They might be clogged with debris left from the winter, compromising their ability to remove excess water from your home. You want to be sure that your gutters are clear, so rainwater can easily pass through and away from your foundation.
Seal Windows, Doors and Gaps
Most homeowners don’t realize that the average home can lose up to 30% of its heat due to drafts from damaged or missing caulking, which is why it’s so important to do a thorough check of your windows, doors, and other areas (like around exhaust areas). Inspect all weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors. If you find sections that are missing or damaged, replace them as necessary. Also check for any gaps or small cracks where drafts, insects or small pests can enter the home.
Spring is a great time to get outside and make sure your home is in good condition after we’ve been shut indoors all winter long. The good news is, once you’ve taken care of your spring maintenance — there’s nothing stopping you from getting outside, kicking your feet up and enjoying the warmer weather. If you’re planning a renovation this spring, make sure you do your research before hiring a contractor.
Need funds for your spring renovations? Contact me today, to discuss how I can help. – meghan@meghangraham.ca / 778-668-7469
