Qualico Communities Blog

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    Time to Get Your Home Ready for Spring!

    Topics: Tips & Tricks, Home Maintenance
    Posted on May 27, 2016 by Kirsten Warwick
    Spring has finally arrived in Edmonton, and that means it's time to get busy and tackle your to-do list. This is the perfect time of year to get your home ready for spring with routine home maintenance projects. Not sure where to start? Below are a few spring maintenance tips that will help you control your energy costs, avoid costly repairs and keep your home looking great. 

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    Inside Tune-Ups

    As your furnace has been running all winter, now is a great time to either clean or replace your filter. Checking your dryer for lint buildup, cleaning your fireplace as well as testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will also alleviate fire hazards and help you rest at ease.

    Tune Up Your HVAC System

    Your HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm throughout the winter. Make sure it's in good shape by scheduling a seasonal check-up. A system that is properly maintained will run more efficiently for lower energy bills and last longer to delay eventual replacement. At the very least, the coils on your AC unit should be cleaned and the interior filters should be replaced. 

    Clean and Repair Gutters

    Gutters serve a very important purpose: they direct water away from your roof and foundation to avoid water damage to your house. Every spring, inspect your gutter system for improper drainage and loose or leaky gutters. Make sure your downspouts are positioned properly to drain water away from the foundation. Use a ladder to remove all debris from your downspout and gutters and check for clogs. 

    Check Window and Door Seals

    Cold weather can damage seals around your doors and windows. Inspect seals for cracking and hardening and make repairs if needed. Maintaining your doors and windows will not only lower your heating and cooling costs but will also help you avoid impending water leakage. If you notice you have a gap around your windows or doors, you can reapply exterior caulk as a sealant. Don't forget to add weatherstripping to reduce energy costs and help deter pests. 

    Check the Roof

    Shingle damage is most likely to occur during the winter when heavy snow and wind pull shingles away or allow water to seep through holes and cracks. Examine your roof for any shingles lost or damaged during the winter. If you have a few missing or damaged shingles, they can be easily replaced. However, if you notice missing granules (crushed rock that coats the shingles’ top surface), cracks, and buckling, it may be time to consider a new roof entirely. 

    While you are on the roof, don't forget to inspect the flashing around the chimney, skylights, and plumbing vents. Damaged flashing is a leading cause of water leakage; have it replaced by a qualified roofer as soon as possible. Of course the most important thing to keep in mind when checking anything on your roof is that all safety caution and procedures are followed. 

    Fill Low Areas of the Yard

    Do you notice any low areas in the yard or near your foundation? Fill them with compacted soil to avoid flooding. Your lawn should slope away from your home to help water drain away from the foundation. Low points in the yard can also allow water to pool after a spring rain. 

    Check for Concrete and Asphalt Cracks

    Inspect all concrete on and around your home for signs of movement and cracks. Cracks can be filled with silicone caulk or concrete crack filler before they allow water to seep in. Filling cracks in your foundation, patio, and walkways as soon as they appear can also extend the life of the concrete and avoid more expensive repairs down the road. While you can handle small cracks on your own, contact a professional if you have deep cracks or frost heaves. For your asphalt driveway, consider having it resealed every 2-5 years to extend its life. Concrete can be resealed every 1-3 years. 

    Move Stuff Away From Your House 

    Do you keep firewood against your house? How about that pile of junk you managed to accumulate during the winter? Make sure you move these items away from the home and off the ground. Firewood and other clutter aren't just a fire hazard; they are also a breeding ground for pests (particularly termites and spiders). Don't leave out a welcome mat for these unwanted visitors to move in! 

    Check Your Outdoor Faucets

    Inspect your outdoor faucets for signs of freeze damage. Turn on the water and place your thumb over the faucet opening. If you are able to stop the flow of water, the pipe inside the house is probably damaged and needs to be replaced. Be sure to do this quickly before your home suffers water damage from a leaking pipe. 

    Tune Up Your HVAC System

    Your HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm throughout the winter. Make sure it's in good shape by scheduling a seasonal check-up. A system that is properly maintained will run more efficiently for lower energy bills and last longer to delay eventual replacement. At the very least, the coils on your AC unit should be cleaned and the interior filters should be replaced. 

    Power Wash the Exterior

    You can also spruce up your home's exterior and help it look its best. Power washing removes dirt, stains, and mould from your deck, sidewalk, patio, lawn furniture, fencing, and siding. Be sure you read the directions to power wash your home properly; if used incorrectly, a pressure washer can cause damage to your home. Make sure you do not point the stream of water upward while cleaning your siding, for example, as the water will be forced under the siding and lead to water damage.

    By following the above tips, you’ll not only have your home ready for the year ahead but you will be able to prevent problems that could wind up costing you a lot of money down the road. Keep in mind, if you do notice any potential issues in and around your home it is better to act sooner rather than later; sometimes this means calling a professional. Enjoy the warm weather and happy spring cleaning!

     Photo credit: gutter, detector
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