STEP ONE: INSPECT THE ROOF

 

Regardless of the severity of winter, it’s always a good idea to have your home serviced at the end of the season. Look for water infiltration or new cracks in the plaster ceilings and walls. Climb into the attic or call in a specialist to check all the following elements.

PITCHED ROOFS

• Have roof trusses or rafters fractured or buckled?
• Have roof truss members given way?
• Has the wooden support for the roofing (plywood or planks) buckled or given way in places under the weight of the snow?
• Has the snow impeded ventilation of the roof space to the point of causing condensation or frost (blackening of the wood)?
• Has there been mold growth or deterioration of ceiling insulation?

FLAT ROOFS

Are roof accessories such as goosenecks, antennae, chimneys and power cabling solid?
In addition to the items mentioned above, check the condition of the membrane to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

ROOFING

For roofing, examine asphalt shingles or metal cladding, check flashings, and make sure there’s no tearing or damage from wind or ice.

GUTTERS

Snow and ice may have weakened or torn away the anchors supporting the house’s eavestroughs. You’ll need to replace them if necessary.

STEP TWO: SIDING YOUR HOME

 

Once you’ve inspected and fixed any problems with the roof, you can continue your home’s maintenance by inspecting the exterior cladding.

EXTERIOR WALLS

Examine door and window seals, brick or stone joints, exterior house siding (wood, aluminum, PVC, etc.) and the strength of fasteners. Then reinstall screens and lubricate doors and windows.

FOUNDATION

As far as foundations are concerned, look out for the appearance or worsening of cracks in the concrete, and the splintering of your house’s plaster. Restore natural ventilation (window wells) in the crawl space, and add water to floor drains to prevent odors from backing up into the house.

CHIMNEY

Chimneys are technical and need to be inspected by a chimney sweep. We recommend that you do this in the spring, to make it easier to book an appointment. As chimney sweeps are mostly in demand in autumn, it’s sometimes difficult to get an appointment at this time of year.

GARAGE, DRIVEWAY, PARKING LOT AND SIDEWALKS

When spring arrives, you’ll finally be able to repair holes and cracks in asphalt lanes and consolidate curbs. It’s also a good time to replace interlocking, cracked or splintered pavers and fill in hollowed-out joints. And don’t forget to clean out catch basins.

BALCONIES, TERRACES AND FENCES

Test the solidity of your home’s flooring materials, stairs and railings to prevent accidents. Check the stability of anchors and seats, and level them out. If necessary, adjust and lubricate fence gates (hinges and latches).

STEP THREE: OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

 

For greater comfort, check the operation and protection of sockets and light fittings. Replenish water outlets and reinstall watering accessories. It’s also a good idea to tune up your lawnmower and other electric or gas-powered gardening tools. Clean the outside vents of the house’s air outlets.

CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS

For your children’s safety, don’t forget to inspect swings, slides and sandboxes to make sure they’re functional and safe.

LAST STEP: AIR CONDITIONERS, AIR EXCHANGERS, DEHUMIDIFIERS AND HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATORS (HRV)

 

Filters on these units need to be cleaned and replaced to improve efficiency. If necessary, you can reinstall the units.

With this complete list, you’ll be ready for a beautiful spring day!