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The arrival of spring is the perfect time to inspect your home and make any necessary repairs and here are the 7 home spring maintenance works.
1. Piping
When you know the damage that water can cause, it is normal to be vigilant with the pipes. Start by inspecting the fittings of the dishwasher, washing machine, sinks and toilets. Don’t forget about appliances that have a pipe through which water flows, such as a water cooler, refrigerator, freezer, or coffee maker. At the first signs of wear or cracks, change these hoses to avoid water damage.
There are replacements you can’t escape:
- Washer hoses every 5 years
- The water heater every 10 years
Also inspect the connection pipes from your dryer to the exterior valve and clean everything. Your clothes will only dry faster. Finally, check the condition of the safety valve on your main water inlet. Change it if it shows signs of fatigue.
Your protection against sewer backups
In order to protect you against sewer backups and flooding in your basement during spring, the backwater valve must be cleaned once a year and free of all debris. You should also check the condition of its gasket and replace it if necessary. If your backwater valve is clogged, call a plumber.
2. Roof
Unloved during the winter with its extreme temperatures, the roof must be thoroughly examined every spring to detect problems that could cause significant and expensive damage. So inspect the shingles and change any that are damaged, missing or curling up.
The structure must be flawless and not show any signs of weakness. If this is the case, call a roofing company to take care of it quickly. Get out your shears (or your chainsaw) to remove all the branches that rub on your roof. Also take the opportunity to remove mold from the shingles. This will extend their lifespan. If you have a chimney, check its condition, especially the gaskets.
And the height?
A visit to the attic is essential if you believe that the insulation of your house is deficient thanks to certain clues:
- Presence of icicles hanging from the roof in winter
- Absence of snow in certain places on the roof
- Temperature variation inside the house
- Traces of humidity or mold on the walls
- Chipped, faded or cracked paint
During your inspection, check the following:
- Humidity and the presence of abnormal odors
- The presence of stains, fungus and mold
- Water marks after heavy rain
- The condition of the mineral wool or urethane
- The structures
If you feel overwhelmed with the task, seek professional advice on this. But don’t neglect this task, because 30% of the heat in a house is lost through the attic.
3. Gutters
A good cleaning of the gutters is essentia home maintenance in the spring. Not only will you have to remove dead leaves, but also any debris that has accumulated there over time. To make sure the gutters are doing their job, take out your watering can and see if the water is draining well, away from the foundation. Gutters and downspouts must also be well secured, as must leaf guards (if you have them).
4. Doors and windows
During the operation of window cleaning and installation of mosquito nets, check the condition of your windows, especially the seals. For doors, check the frame and oil the hinges. Also empty your windowsills where leaves and snow have accumulated during the fall and winter. The water will drain away more easily.
5. Foundations
Spring is crack hunting time! The longer they are and extend towards the ground, the more cause for concern. Why? Because cracks in the foundation are synonymous with water infiltration. Once the inventory of cracks is broken, repair them.
6. Ventilation system
Before they operate at full capacity during the summer, appliances such as an air conditioner, a heat pump, an air exchanger, the bathroom ventilation system and the kitchen hood must be inspected and cleaned.
Filters must be cleaned of accumulated dust and particles. In some cases, you will have to hire professionals to clean these devices, but the effort is worth it for better ventilation of your home.
7. Exterior coating
Your inspection depends on the type of exterior siding your home has. Whether it is wood, prefabricated (Canexel), vinyl or fiber cement, make sure your siding is not undone, cracked, broken or discolored. If your siding is brick or stone, it should not crumble, just like the joints.
In any case, check to see if there are any openings large enough for a rodent to pass through and come visit you next winter. Cap them if necessary. Make the necessary repairs, as damage to the exterior siding could lead to water infiltration.
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