1. Roof and shingles

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your roof. Start by visually inspecting the roof. Look for missing or curling shingles, loose or damaged flashing and signs of leaks. Avid DIYers can tackle simple roof repairs, but you should connect with a local roofer for repairs and guidance if you suspect major damage. You don’t want to wait to repair roof damage, which could lead to leaks and more costly problems.

If you feel uncomfortable on a ladder or climbing onto the roof, roofing companies offer inspection services and can take care of repairs this spring.   

2. Clean out the gutters and downspouts

Your eavestroughs are vital to proper drainage around your home. Clean out leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts so melting snow and rainwater can drain away from your home. Again, if you’re uncomfortable working on a ladder, get in touch with a eavestrough cleaning service.

Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause wood fascia boards to rot. Plus, if the water isn’t moving away from your home, it can cause pooling around the house, foundation damage, and even leak into the basement. If the gutters are falling, reattach or replace them.

3. Examine the foundation

Go over the foundation carefully and look for any vertical cracks. If you find any, you should contact a professional foundation repair company right away. Foundation damage is no joke. If left alone for too long, it can lead to basement leaks and even structural damage to your home.

While checking the foundation, you should also look at grading around your home. The ground should have a slight downslope from the foundation so water flows away from the house. If you need to repair the grading, contact a landscaping contractor. You might even consider hiring a landscape contractor for your spring lawn care and cleanup.

4. Look at paths and driveways

Walk around your property and look for damage to your driveway and walkways. Unfortunately, the freeze-thaw cycle we experience multiple times during an Alberta winter can cause cracks and crumbling to asphalt and concrete driveways.

Asphalt isn’t as durable as concrete, but you can patch smaller damaged areas on your own using a local home and garden store kit. Concrete is a little stronger than asphalt but not immune to our winters! If your concrete has significant cracks or sinking sections, consider calling a professional contractor for repairs.

5. Test the sprinklers and irrigation systems

Months of frozen ground can affect your sprinklers and irrigation systems. When it’s warm enough to do so, run the systems to make sure they work correctly. You don’t want to do this when night temperatures are still dropping below zero. Water in the system can freeze and cause damage to hoses and sprinkler heads.

Replace any damaged sprinkler heads and make repairs as needed. If there is major damage, contact a company that repairs irrigation systems soon. Then, you’ll be prepared for spring and summer watering!

6. Check the deck and other woodwork

Check your wooden deck, trim, and structures for any signs of water damage or warping. Look for loose or rotten boards on the deck, railing or stairs and replace those with new. If your deck is due for painting or staining, tackle it now. That way, you’ll have more time to enjoy that outdoor living space come summer.

7. Inspect the windows and doors

Inspect your windows and doors for drafts and leaks, which can bring in water and cold air. If the caulking or weather stripping is shot, replace that now. It can help keep the warm air from entering your home this summer, and you’ll also get a head start on preparing your home for next winter.

Check all your screen doors and window screens for holes. You don’t want those mosquitoes getting inside! You can pick up a screen repair kit from your local hardware store.

8. Check the AC unit

Seasonal air conditioner inspections and services are essential to your system’s performance, efficiency and lifespan. You can hire an HVAC contractor for annual air-conditioning maintenance and repairs, but there are some things you can do yourself.

First, you should remove debris like leaves, sticks and dirt from around the unit outside. Then, change the air filter. According to Natural Resources Canada, you should change the air filters at least once each season or according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Changing the air filter maximizes airflow, reduces strain on the system and can extend the life of your air conditioner.  

9. Look for tree damage

If you have trees on your property, look for broken limbs, rotting or damage. You can remove those dead branches. If you need to remove a high or large branch that poses a safety hazard or an entire tree, call a professional tree removal company. They’ll ensure the job is done safely without damaging your home or property.

10. Prun your trees and shrubs

Early spring, when your trees or shrubs are still dormant and haven’t started to bud, is the perfect time for pruning. Trimming promotes new growth and allows you to shape them before the leaves pop.

Trim branches, trees and shrubs growing too close to your home and other structures. You also want to ensure no branches are growing too close to utility equipment, like power boxes or overhead powerlines. If you suspect a branch is too close to a powerline, contact your utility company right away.

Spring home maintenance checklist and tips for your home's interior.

Winter is harder on your home’s exterior, but there are several home maintenance tasks you can cover inside this spring.

1. Check the furnace and change the filter

Your furnace has been working nonstop for months! It’s time to show it some love. Doing that now will make sure it’s ready to work hard again come fall. First, check your furnace filter. Your filter should be changed every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As mentioned before, clean HVAC filters promote airflow, reduce strain and extend the lifespan of your system.

You can also contact a furnace repair company for a full inspection and cleaning. They’ll do a multi-point inspection, make minor repairs and ensure your furnace is ready to roll. Some furnace companies offer duct cleaning, which is beneficial to do every two or three years.

2. Inspect the attic

Peek in the attic and look for signs of roof leaks. You can check the inside of the roof deck, joists and beams for water stains, rot, mould, mildew or other visible damage. While up there, look for signs of pests that might have moved in over the winter, like mice, squirrels and insects.

3. Check your basement

Basements are particularly susceptible to water leaks after the winter season. Check the walls, ceiling and floors for discoloration and any signs of water getting in. If you smell something musky, chances are you have moisture or water somewhere.

Common causes for basement leaks are leaky plumbing and windows, improper exterior water drainage, sump pump issues or foundation damage. Water stains on the basement walls or ceiling indicate a plumbing issue. If your plumbing, basement windows and exterior grading look fine, it might be time to call a foundation repair contractor for a professional inspection.

4. Call for air conditioner service

As mentioned, seasonal air conditioner maintenance is vital to the performance of your system. Your AC has been on a long hiatus during the winter. Before turning the air on for the season, have an HVAC technician give your air conditioner a proper inspection and tune-up.

If you have an older, inefficient unit, consider replacing your old air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR®-rated model. Natural Resources Canada says these energy-efficient units use 30 to 40% less energy than most older air conditioners.

5. Look for leaky pipes

A leaky pipe can be a homeowner’s nightmare, and finding leaks early is key to reducing damage and stress. Check under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to ensure the connections are properly sealed. Look for moisture around your dishwasher and washing machine, and call a pro for repairs if needed.

Contact a plumber immediately if you notice water stains on your walls or ceiling. Leaky plumbing is likely the culprit, which can quickly lead to extensive and expensive water damage. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause mould growth in your home!

6. Check the water heater

A conventional tank water heater has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Unfortunately, when those things go, it usually causes a watery mess. Regularly checking your hot water heater will help you find signs that it needs repair or replacement. Plus, it can save you from a flood in the utility room.

Look for signs of corrosion and leaks. If you haven’t done so recently, call a pro to have your hot water heater inspected and flushed. Sediment from minerals in our water can build up on the bottom of the tank, speeding up corrosion. It can also reduce efficiency, so it’s worth looking after this spring.

7. Clean out dryer vents

Okay, most of us don’t give our dryer vents much thought. But ensuring they're clear of lint and debris is essential for fire safety! It should be part of your spring home maintenance checklist. Check those clothes dryer vents. Make sure they’re clean and properly connected to the dryer and where it goes out of the house. You can also clean the exhaust duct and the space under the dryer with a vacuum cleaner.

If you’re unsure how to do this, most duct cleaning companies also offer dryer vent cleaning services.

8. Check the fire extinguisher

At minimum, you should have a fire extinguisher within reach of the kitchen. You should inspect fire extinguishers at least monthly, according to the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety. Fire extinguisher checks should include looking at the hose and nozzle to make sure they are in working condition. The pressure gauge should be in the “green” range. Fire extinguishers also have an expiry date. If it has passed the expiry date, or you’re unsure if it works, it’s safest to replace it.

9. Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors

Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working. Spring is also a good time to replace the batteries. MyHealthAlberta.ca recommends you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement, to keep your home and family safe.

10. Spring cleaning!

Spring cleaning usually means getting into those areas of the house you don’t regularly clean—for example, dust or vacuum high-reaching cabinet tops, ceiling fans and window seals. Clean out closets and cabinets and wipe down the fridge and freezer. Wash windows, blinds and drapes; the possibilities are endless! Plus, while spring cleaning, you could find other areas of your home that need minor repairs.