Spring Exterior Home Check Up

The seasons can literally ‘weather’ your home. To ensure an continuous safe and sound home, be aware of the annual exterior maintenance, especially with all the temperature shifts here in Canada. 

Here are some things to look out for this Spring:

Roof

Do a visual inspection of your roof as well as you can. Try using binoculars! Look to see if shingles are tightly fastened, secure and in good condition. Cracked, look or buckled or missing shingles should be repaired or replaced. Depending on your roof age, you should get it checked once every 5 years, or more often if older.

Windows

Temperature changes can cause weather stripping and caulking around windows to crack and peel. Replace the weathered stripping and re caulk it, to prevent worse damage. This goes for doors too. Also try wash as many windows as you can reach, or hire a professional to clean your windows if you can’t reach them.

Exterior Walls

Inspect the exterior walls of your home for signs of water damage. For brick homes, check to see if the mortar between the bricks is still binding is still in good condition. If you have wood siding, check for ants and critters making openings. Also check for concrete cracks or spalling brick on your porch or deck.

Foundation

Keep your eye out for cracks or differences in your foundation over time. Hairline cracks may be normal, but horizontal cracks or wide ones should be inspected by a professional.

Drainage

Exterior concrete slabs should slope away from the home to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from entering. Check for loose or leaky gutters  that aren’t properly draining rain and water away from the roof and home. Having down spouts that drain 10 ft away from your property is safe.

Cleaning

Spring is a great time to clean exterior elements of your home to their ready for summer. Clean brick wall with a garden hose, and sweep/power wash your wood patios and decks. Trim your gardens and lawn and plant a few bright flowers!

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