Spring is here and that means it’s a great time to do some home maintenance. Here is a check list to help you get your home ready for the summer:
Outside your home:
- Clean out and repair gutters and downspouts
- Disconnect any downspouts connected directly to the weeping tiles
- Repair driveways, walkways, patio deterioration, and seal cracks
- Paint or stain exterior trim, fences, and decks as needed
- Repair damage on the outside of your home, including cracks or storm damage
- Find and seal any foundation, crawlspace, or basement crack, seepage or leaks
- Wash and repair holes in window and door screens
- If you have a masonry chimney, check the joints between the bricks or stones for vegetation growth or mortar deterioration; re-seal if necessary with a water-resistant barrier material available at your local hardware store
- Make sure air conditioning units are in good working order—change the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make sure the drain pans are draining freely
Inside your home:
- Inspect the attic for signs of roof leaks, mould, or critters
- Arrange for an annual flue cleaning for your chimney
- Clean out lint from dryer exhaust ducts
- Inspect the washing machine and dishwasher hoses and clean the filters
- Consider replacing the hot water tank if it’s over 10 years old
- Change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and test them to be sure they work properly
- Check your fire extinguishers to ensure they work and are readily accessible
- Inspect sinks, faucets, toilets, showers, tubs and your hot water tank for leaks
- Consider replacing old appliance hoses with stainless steel braided hoses
Check the following on your HVAC unit:
- Air filters
- Furnace inspection
- Prepare your air conditioner
Sump pump check-list:
- If you already have one, make sure it runs effectively. You might wish to have a back-up sump pump in case the first one fails during heavy rains
- Check the float of your sump pit to ensure it’s clean and moving freely by slowly pouring water into the sump tank
- Check that the battery of your sump pump is in good condition by running the sump pump a second time with the power off
Other things you can check:
- Check the roof for lost, curled, cracked, or damaged shingles.
- Check the foundation for any signs of damage or cracks.
- Keep an eye out for signs of water damage inside your home including stained ceilings, damp area in the basement, and cracks in concrete floors.
