Spring is finally springing in Edmonton! Patios are opening for the season, BBQs are fired up for dinner, and you’re probably ready for spring to hurry up and give way to summer. While our business is parging and stucco, we have learned a lot about general home maintenance along the way. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, we still have a few more things for you to take care of to get your home ready for the season.
In our Top 10 Spring Maintenance Tips, Part One, we started at the roof and made our way down to the windows. Let’s keep going on the top-down to-do list for your home:
6. Leaks
Dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, toilets and tubs are all potential sources of leaks. Check the connections on pipes and hoses, and look for drips or wet spots that can tip you off to signs of trouble.
7. Air Conditioner
Before you take off the cover and turn on the A/C for the season, make sure it’s in good shape. Vacuum away any dust so you can have a really good look at the unit. Change the filter, check the hose for signs of cracks or leaks, and if you see anything that looks suspect, call in an HVAC professional now, rather than when your A/C inevitably breaks on the hottest day of the year – along with everybody else’s!
8. Backyard
If you want to get the most out of your wooden deck, spring time is the perfect time to examine it for wear and tear. Look for any warped or loose boards, and give it a really good cleaning to remove any debris between the boards. For your patio, consider re-levelling stones as necessary to prevent a serious trip hazard.
9. Basement
The basement is an area that a lot of us avoid if we can. Other than doing laundry, when was the last time you spent time hanging out underground? That telltale dampness in the basement may actually be the result of poor ventilation. If you’re lucky, you might just need to start running a humidifier to dry things out a bit. Let’s hope you’re lucky.
10. Foundation
Check the foundation of your home, inside and out, for any signs of cracks in the masonry. If you do discover a crack, remember that the foundation is literally holding your house up. Foundation repair is NOT a DIY project for a Sunday afternoon! Hire a specialist to make sure this is addressed properly to prevent further damage. Consider a fresh coat of parging to protect the foundation and improve the look of your whole house.
There you have it, our Top 10 Spring Maintenance Tips. Be sure to go back and read Part One to make sure your whole house is ready for the season. Though we developed these tips with homes in Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding area in mind, you can apply them to your home maintenance routine anywhere in Canada or around the world.
Ready for more? Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for more of the latest news and suggestions on protecting your home safe from the elements.