Your Ottawa Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Whats Winter Left Behind?

# Your Ottawa Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: Whats Winter Left Behind?

Another Ottawa winter survived. But what did it leave behind? Spring is the time to assess the damage and address small issues before they become expensive problems.

Heres what to check once the snow melts.

## ROOF AND GUTTERS

**1. Missing or damaged shingles**

Walk around your home and look up. Ice dams, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles can lift, crack, or blow away shingles. Missing shingles mean water intrusion next rain.

*What to do:* Any obvious damage warrants a professional inspection. A few missing shingles is a simple repair; extensive damage might mean replacement is needed.

**2. Gutter condition**

Ice can pull gutters away from fascia, bend them, or crack them. Check that theyre still firmly attached and pitched correctly toward downspouts.

*What to do:* Reattach loose gutters. If theyre damaged beyond repair, spring is a good time to install new ones before heavy rains.

**3. Downspout discharge**

Where does your downspout water go? It should discharge at least 4-6 feet away from your foundation. Check that extensions are in place.

*What to do:* Add extensions or splash blocks if water discharges too close to your foundation.

## FOUNDATION AND GRADING

**4. Cracks in foundation**

Freeze-thaw cycles can expand existing cracks or create new ones. Walk your perimeter and inspect.

*What to do:* Hairline cracks are often cosmetic. Cracks wider than 1/4 inch, or cracks that show signs of movement, warrant professional assessment.

**5. Grading settlement**

Over winter, soil can settle, changing the grade around your foundation. You want soil sloping away from your house, not toward it.

*What to do:* Add topsoil as needed to restore proper grading. A 6-inch drop over 10 feet is ideal.

**6. Basement moisture**

Chuck the snow melt has arrived - check your basement for any signs of water intrusion. Stains, damp smells, or visible moisture indicate problems.

*What to do:* Trace the water source. Often its a grading or gutter issue. Sometimes its a crack that needs sealing.

## EXTERIOR SURFACES

**7. Siding damage**

Winter winds can loosen siding. Ice can crack vinyl. Check for gaps, cracks, or loose pieces.

*What to do:* Replace damaged sections before rain can get behind the siding and cause bigger problems.

**8. Paint and caulk**

Extreme cold makes caulk brittle. Check around windows, doors, and any penetrations for failed caulk or peeling paint.

*What to do:* Re-caulk failed areas. Touch up paint to prevent wood rot.

**9. Window and door seals**

Try the dollar bill test - close a window or door on a bill. If it slides out easily, your seals need attention.

*What to do:* Replace weatherstripping. Its cheap insurance against energy loss.

## HARDSCAPING

**10. Driveway cracks**

Water gets in cracks, freezes, expands, and makes cracks bigger. Assess your driveway damage.

*What to do:* Fill cracks before they grow. Significant heaving or crumbling might mean replacement.

**11. Walkway condition**

Same freeze-thaw damage affects walkways. Look for lifted or cracked sections that could be trip hazards.

*What to do:* Repair or replace unsafe sections. Safety first.

**12. Deck inspection**

Decks take abuse from snow, ice, and shoveling. Check for loose boards, popped nails, wobbly railings, and structural concerns.

*What to do:* Address safety issues immediately. Plan refinishing before you want to use the deck in summer.

## SYSTEMS

**13. HVAC transition**

Your furnace worked hard all winter. Now its time to think about cooling.

*What to do:* Replace furnace filter. Schedule AC tune-up before the rush. Consider duct cleaning if its been a few years.

**14. Exterior faucets**

Did you remember to shut off interior valves and drain outdoor faucets last fall? Check that they work and dont leak.

*What to do:* Turn on water slowly, check for leaks inside and outside. A leaking outdoor faucet often means a frozen/cracked pipe.

**15. Sump pump**

Spring is sump pump season. Test yours before the heavy melt arrives.

*What to do:* Pour water in the pit until the pump activates. Confirm its discharging properly away from the house.

## THE 30-MINUTE SPRING WALK

Set aside 30 minutes on a dry spring day. Walk your entire property with this list. Look at everything. Make notes.

Most issues you find will be minor - but minor issues left unaddressed become major ones. The half hour you spend now could save thousands later.

And if you find something concerning, get professional eyes on it. A $200 service call is always cheaper than the repair youll need if you wait.