Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners

# Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners

# Spring Home Maintenance Checklist for Ottawa Homeowners

After an Ottawa winter, your house has been through a lot. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice, snow load, road salt—they all take a toll. A systematic spring inspection catches small problems before they become expensive repairs.

## Exterior Inspection

### Roof

**Check for:**

- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles

- Damaged flashing around chimney, vents, skylights

- Sagging or damaged soffits and fascia

- Ice dam damage (staining, lifted shingles at edges)

- Debris accumulation in valleys

**Action items:**

- Replace damaged shingles promptly

- Reseal flashing if lifting

- Schedule professional inspection if damage significant

- Clear any debris from roof surface

### Gutters and Downspouts

**Check for:**

- Debris accumulation

- Sagging or pulled-away sections

- Rust or holes

- Proper pitch toward downspouts

- Downspout extensions in place

**Action items:**

- Clean all debris (leafs, granules from shingles)

- Reattach loose sections

- Ensure downspouts discharge 6+ feet from foundation

- Consider gutter guards if debris is recurring problem

### Foundation

**Check for:**

- New cracks (measure and photograph existing ones)

- Efflorescence (white mineral deposits)

- Moisture or staining

- Heaving or settling of adjacent concrete

- Grade sloping toward foundation

**Action items:**

- Seal hairline cracks with appropriate filler

- Monitor larger cracks for changes

- Correct grading to slope away from foundation

- Clear any debris or plantings against foundation wall

### Siding and Trim

**Check for:**

- Loose, cracked, or missing pieces

- Paint peeling or wood rot

- Gaps or openings

- Staining indicating water issues

- Woodpecker or insect damage

**Action items:**

- Repair or replace damaged sections

- Caulk gaps and openings

- Plan painting if peeling is widespread

- Address rot promptly before it spreads

### Windows and Doors

**Check for:**

- Damaged weatherstripping

- Failed glazing seals (fog between panes)

- Damaged or peeling caulk

- Difficult operation

- Screen condition

**Action items:**

- Replace damaged weatherstripping

- Re-caulk exterior joints

- Clean and lubricate hardware

- Repair or replace damaged screens

### Driveway and Walkways

**Check for:**

- New cracks or heaving

- Loose pavers or stones

- Trip hazards

- Salt damage

- Drainage issues (pooling water)

**Action items:**

- Fill cracks in asphalt or concrete

- Reset heaved pavers

- Plan sealing for asphalt driveways

- Address drainage issues before they worsen

### Deck and Patio

**Check for:**

- Loose or damaged boards

- Popped nails or screws

- Railing stability

- Rot at posts and ledger

- Surface condition (needs staining?)

**Action items:**

- Secure loose boards

- Reset popped fasteners

- Test all railings for stability

- Plan staining/sealing for warmer weather

- Power wash when temperatures allow

## Landscaping and Drainage

### Grading and Drainage

**Check for:**

- Proper slope away from foundation (6" over 10')

- Pooling water areas

- Blocked drain tiles or French drains

- Sump pump discharge location

**Action items:**

- Add soil to low areas near foundation

- Clear drain tile outlets

- Test sump pump operation

- Extend discharge away from foundation

### Trees and Shrubs

**Check for:**

- Dead or damaged branches

- Branches touching house or roof

- Signs of disease

- Root heave near foundation or walkways

**Action items:**

- Prune dead/damaged branches

- Cut back branches from house (3+ feet clearance)

- Schedule arborist for large trees

- Remove any plantings against foundation

### Lawn and Gardens

**Check for:**

- Snow mold (grey/pink patches)

- Vole damage (surface tunnels)

- Salt damage at edges

- Drainage issues

**Action items:**

- Rake affected areas

- Plan overseeding if damage significant

- Flush salt-damaged areas with water

- First mowing when grass is dry

## HVAC and Mechanical

### Furnace/Heating System

**Action items:**

- Replace furnace filter

- Schedule professional inspection if not done in fall

- Consider duct cleaning if not done in years

- Note any issues from winter for technician

### Air Conditioning

**Check for:**

- Debris around outdoor unit

- Damaged fins or housing

- Level unit (winter frost heave)

- Vegetation encroachment

**Action items:**

- Clear 2+ feet around unit

- Gently clean fins with garden hose

- Schedule professional service before heat arrives

- Test system on first warm day

### Hot Water Tank

**Action items:**

- Check for leaks or corrosion

- Note age (10+ years: start planning replacement)

- Flush if manufacturer recommends

- Test pressure relief valve

### Sump Pump

**Check for:**

- Proper operation

- Clear intake

- Discharge line clear and connected

- Battery backup operation (if equipped)

**Action items:**

- Pour water in pit to test operation

- Clean debris from pit

- Replace battery backup battery if 3+ years

- Test backup system manually

## Interior Checks

### Attic

**Check for:**

- Signs of ice dam water intrusion

- Proper ventilation (no blocked vents)

- Insulation condition and depth

- Moisture or mold signs

- Pest activity

**Action items:**

- Address any moisture issues promptly

- Clear any blocked vents

- Note insulation improvements needed

- Set traps or call pest control if signs of activity

### Basement

**Check for:**

- Water intrusion evidence

- Cracks in walls or floor

- Efflorescence

- Musty odors

- Sump pump condition

**Action items:**

- Address water issues at source (exterior drainage)

- Monitor cracks for changes

- Run dehumidifier if humidity high

- Clean and organize for seasonal storage switch

### Smoke and CO Detectors

**Action items:**

- Test all units

- Replace batteries (even if hardwired)

- Replace units over 10 years old (7 for CO)

- Vacuum dust from units

### Plumbing

**Action items:**

- Check all faucets and valves for drips

- Look under sinks for leaks

- Test all toilets for running

- Flush water heater if recommended

- Turn on exterior faucets (slowly, checking for freeze damage)

## Seasonal Transitions

### Storage

- Store winter gear (snow blower, shovels, ice melt)

- Retrieve lawn equipment

- Service lawn mower

- Check outdoor furniture condition

### Emergency Preparedness

- Check emergency kit supplies (spring storms)

- Know water main shutoff location

- Have plumber contact handy

- Review insurance coverage

## Creating Your Schedule

**April (weather permitting):**

- Exterior visual inspection

- Gutter cleaning

- Furnace filter change

- Sump pump test

- AC service scheduling

**May:**

- Deck inspection and cleaning

- Window and door checks

- Landscaping cleanup

- Power washing

- Exterior faucet testing

**June:**

- AC system test

- Roof inspection (if safe)

- Driveway sealing (if needed)

- Deck staining (if needed)

- Screen installation

## When to Call Professionals

- Roof damage (safety concern)

- Foundation issues beyond hairline cracks

- HVAC service (annual maintenance)

- Electrical concerns

- Persistent moisture problems

- Large tree work

## Cost Planning

Budget for spring maintenance:

- Professional HVAC service: $150-$300

- Gutter cleaning (if hiring): $150-$300

- Minor repairs reserve: $500-$1,000

- Staining/sealing (if needed): Materials or contractor cost

Prevention is cheaper than repair. The items on this list, done annually, prevent the expensive surprises that come from neglected maintenance.