10 spring maintenance tips for your property
The sun and the heat are gradually returning. It’s the ideal time to get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and do a big spring cleaning!
Seasonal maintenance – it’s the key to making your investment actually last over time. By regularly inspecting your property, you will avoid surprises and expensive repairs: a winning strategy over the long term. Here is a list of items to add to your checklist.
1. Foundations
Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of humidity. Carry out repairs and seal, if necessary.2. Roofing, exterior siding and gutters
Check the condition of your roof and seals (chimney, flashing, gutters, etc.) and inspect the exterior siding of your property. Are the materials poorly anchored, detached or in damaged condition (chipped, discoloured, traces of mold)? If so, repair them. Also, take a look at the gutters to make sure they aren’t clogged and that the downspout flows away from the foundation to prevent water leaks.
3. Windows and skylights
Wash the windows and reinstall the screens. Examine the seals around the windows and repair any pierced (or damaged) screens.4. Doors
Check the seals and condition of the doors. Do paint touch-ups and lubricate the mechanisms, as needed.5. Air conditioners, heating and other equipment
Clean or replace the filter in your air conditioner, air exchanger and forced air heating system. Close the gas supply valves in your fireplace, if you have one. Remove lint and any debris from interior and exterior dryer and air ducts.6. Fence, terrace, balconies
Replace any damaged or rotting boards on your fence, deck and balconies. Wait until the wood is dry, then sand and repaint if the paint is chipped. Straighten any collapsed fences and steps. Give the area a good sweep.
7. Land, trees and entrance
Collect leaves, sand, rocks and other debris that accumulated over the winter. Remove the carport and snow fencing, and untie your shrubs. Check the condition of your pavement or asphalt. Replace broken paving stones, seal cracks, clean oil stains. In May, fertilize young trees and reseed the lawn, as needed.8. Water hoses and pool
Once winter is officially over and there is no longer any risk of frost, reinstall your sprinkler hoses, open the main water valve and reactivate the water treatment system in your pool.9. BBQ and garden furniture
Clean any dust accumulated during the winter from your BBQ and garden furniture. Take out cushions, games and other accessories. Brush off your BBQ grills and fill the propane tank, if necessary.10. Garage
Take advantage of cleaning out the garage to get rid of everything you no longer use. Dispose of surplus paint, oils and pesticides at a local recycling facility.
Happy spring cleaning!
