Spring is kinda sorta almost mostly here!
Time to get your house in order.
While spring isn’t always the most beautiful season of the year – what with that intoxicating mildew smell, and all the garbage and other ‘surprises’ we find on the lawn after the snow melts – it is probably the most exciting. After months of winter weather and what feels like a never-ending string of colds, spring comes along and everything suddenly feels good again. Your unrelenting hate for the snow plow driver finally begins to subside, getting your kids dressed doesn’t take 45 excruciating minutes, and Kleenex consumption goes down dramatically.
I think it’s the anticipation of summer that makes spring so nice. Right around the corner are barbecues, cold beers on the deck, backyard family gatherings, sunglasses, going for bike rides and OH MY GOD WILL YOU JUST FRIGGING END WINTER!
He-hem, sorry about that. What I’m trying to say is that spring is here, which is a good time to start thinking about getting your house in order for summer. With that in mind, here is a handy list to make sure that your home is in great condition for the warmer weather. And if you want your home to stay that way, drop your kids off at a nearby orphanage. #ProTip #TheMoreYouKnow
Let’s Start Inside
Every spring you should check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and any security alarms you have. Make sure to change out the batteries, if required. In our house, smoke detectors are really important devices that regularly protect our family from burnt toast.
Clean your windows, and swap out your storm windows for screens. Also be sure to check whether your screens are in good shape or in need of repair. If you find any holes bigger than a quarter, you can expect bugs to join you, so make sure to fix them. And if you do end up replacing a screen, hang onto the old one so you can use the material for future repairs.
This is a big one. Ensure that your sump pump is operating properly before the spring thaw sets in. Also ensure that the discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation. You don’t want to solve these issues as the water is rising.
Clean or replace your furnace filters - this should be done every month when you are using heat. If you have a ventilation system, such as a heat recovery ventilator, filters should be checked every two months or so.
Now that it’s about to get really hot, you’re going to want to make your house really cold. (#Humans) Make sure your air conditioning unit is operating and replace the filter, if applicable. It’s also really important to have your AC unit serviced every two to three years, if you haven’t done so recently. Just because it’s cooling the house, doesn’t mean it’s operating efficiently.
Spring is also a great time to make sure that your fireplace or wood stove and chimney are properly cleaned. Depending on how much you use them, this should be done every one or two years.
After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, carefully test the temperature and pressure relief valve to ensure it is not stuck. Caution: This test may release hot water that can cause burns, so be EXTREMELY careful if you decide to do this on your own. We don’t want to get sued! Wait, I mean … we care about your safety.
If you have a well, make sure you test the water quality. It’s recommended that you do this test every six months, and the testing is free, so you’re wise to take advantage of it.
Let’s Head Outdoors
You can start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts outside (nobody said this was going to be fun!). If they are clogged, it could lead to a number of problems, including water damage. In some cases, rotten wood can even lead to uninvited critters in your attic. And if your wife is like mine, she hates it when I send her up there to chase those things out.
Check out the exterior of your home, including the roof and siding. If you have missing or damaged shingles, you’ll definitely want to repair them immediately before they turn into a bigger problem. The same goes for your siding. Spring is the right time to make these inspections, because winter storms can take a toll.
If you have a pressure washer, it’s also a good idea to clean your siding to prevent mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure as well, and sand, prime and paint to repair.
Examine the foundation walls for cracks, leaks or other signs of moisture, and call in a professional to get any issues fixed. Addressing these types of problems early could save you a bundle down the road.
Seal off any holes in your exterior that could serve as entry points for small pests, such as bats and squirrels, or worse, neighbourhood children. Could you imagine another kid!? That’d be the worst.
Have a good look at your deck, patio and porches. Open decks and wood fences should probably be treated every 4 to 6 years, depending on how exposed they are to sunshine and rain. If the wood is going grey or the stain is gone, you may want to treat the wood again. You should also re-level any exterior steps or decks that may have moved from frost or settling.
And Onto the Yard
Spring is also the right time to manage your yard. First, inspect your driveway and any paths you may have on the property. Freezing and thawing can be really hard on concrete and asphalt, so assess whether the winter weather cause any damage. While you can patch asphalt, concrete may need to be replaced.
Most of us probably don’t have a sprinkler or irrigation system, but if you do give them a careful look. Make sure none of the heads are broken or damaged, and run water through the different zones. It’s a good time to make sure that the system isn’t hitting your home, which could lead to long-term problems, or that you are wasting water on sidewalks.
Remember all those wonderful presents on your lawn? Well, you’re going to want to clean up that mess. Give your lawn a really good rake to clear all of the fall and winter debris, and ensure your draining ditches and culverts are clear. Spring is a great time to patch any problem areas in the lawn, since grass grows better in milder weather.
Spring is also a good time to get your gardens in order. Cut back and trim all the overgrown vegetation from your house and any other structures. Trees limbs and bushes can do a number on your siding and paint, so a little trimming could prevent unnecessary repairs. Of course, your kids will probably ruin your house in other, more creative ways. #Orphanage #RememberWhatISaid
Finally, if you find that there are mosquitoes buzzing around a little too frequently, have a look around the property for standing water. A wheelbarrow full of water, or other areas where much-needed drainage is missing, could lead to an irritating summer. If you find some, tip it or fix it, and you might get rid of a nasty problem before it starts.
Fertilize your lawn and any young trees that may need it.
Lastly, turn on the valve to your outside hose connections. Your kids will want access to these so they can run up your water bills.
That’s it! Congratulations – your house is all set for rest and relaxation this upcoming Canadian summer. I hope it’s a good one - I hear it falls on a Wednesday this year.
Happy Spring everybody!
Scott