After a winter that came in like a lamb and looks to be going out like a lion, many in the Capital Region will be looking forward to the arrival of spring. The snow and ice that is prevalent during an Ottawa Valley winter can create some problems for homeowners, not only when the snow is falling, but also during the thaw out. That’s why, once the weather really starts to change from winter to spring, it is a great time to carry out some seasonal maintenance.
- Proper maintenance of the fixture, items and features around your house can extend their life;
- You can save money on bigger problems in the long run by nipping developing issues in the bud;
- Reducing or eliminating any safety risks around your home;
- Maintaining and improving the long term value of your property.
Spring Maintenance Tips
Here are six spring maintenance tips to keep your home in top shape, and get ready for the warmer months.
- Spring is a common time of year to discover issues with the foundation of your home, which can lead to cracks and moisture along your home’s walls and basements. You can do a visual inspection by walking around the perimeter of your house and checking for any cracks. If you spot some, you should consider reaching out to a foundation repair specialist. Cracks can certainly worsen over time, allowing water to enter your home; from there, moisture in your walls can potentially lead to mold in your home – which can be a major cost to remediate down the line, and is potentially hazardous to your health.
- Spring is a season that generally sees a lot of precipitation (and melting snow), so it’s a good time of year to take a quick look at your gutters to make sure they’re free of obstructions. And on the topic of your home’s foundation, ensure that any downspouts leading downwards from your gutters or eaves troughs are still properly pointed away from the house. While working on your gutters, you can also visually inspect the roof to see if you spot any problem areas; if so, it’s a good idea to call in a professional roofer.
- If you have a deck or patio in your backyard, those can certainly take a serious beating over the course of an Ottawa-area winter. Once the snow is all gone, look it over for any loose, or otherwise broken boards. If the deck is in rougher shape than it was, spring is a great time to give it a refresh with a clean, reseal or re-stain.
- Don’t forget to swap out your furnace/HVAC filter, if you haven’t done so in a while. After a long winter keeping you warm, it can get pretty dirty.
- After a winter that featured some wild temperature swings, the seal around your windows may not be what it once was… and windows that leak air can cost you serious money over the long haul. Spring is a good time of year to reseal those windows before you start making serious use of the air conditioner in the summer months.
- Finally: spring cleaning! Some ideas to consider to tidy things up:
- Dust throughout the home, including places that are difficult to reach (like ceiling fans, and the tops of windows); also dust appliances, electronics and shelves.
- Vacuum all rugs, and consider giving them a deep/steam cleaning.
- Take the opportunity to reseal and/or reapply all grout and caulking in your home.
- Check on your file alarm and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries and dust around the units.
Home Insurance in Ottawa
The spring of a new year is a great time to tidy up your home maintenance items, and it’s also a great time to revisit your options for home insurance in Ottawa. Speak to your local insurance broker at Oegema, Nicholson & Associates to touch base on how we can help provide the coverage you require. Contact us today!
