In Ottawa, the seasons can go to the extremes and you have to learn how to adjust to drastic changes. Thankfully, spring brings mild temperatures providing the perfect opportunity for springtime maintenance.
Follow these 6 tips to make sure you have everything covered during your spring clean-up.
1. Clean Your Gutters
Debris can accumulate on your gutters, so make sure to clean the gutters thoroughly. Before you start cleaning, put on a pair of garden gloves. Look for a garden trowel to help you collect the leaves, and find a stable ladder to help you reach the gutter.
Cleaning the gutter will reduce leaks when it rains. Check the joints and secure it if it’s loose. Confirm that the water flows away from the foundation for at least one meter.
2. Inspect Your Roof
Winter can cause severe damage to your roof such as leaks and cracks due to the massive weight of snow and ice. Spring will melt the ice on your roof, making it the perfect time to inspect your roof for damages. Have a quick look around your house to see if any shingles were damaged.
If you spot any issues, take a photo, and contact a trusted contractor for advice on how to fix the shingles.
3. Clean Wooden Decks
Inspect your deck for rot before you start cleaning. Check for damages that might have been caused by the winter season. If there’s still snow, wait for it to melt before you start sweeping up the dirt and debris. A leaf blower can also help you clean up the debris if you’re having a difficult time in doing it manually.
Make sure that you’re wearing safety glasses and rubber gloves before cleaning the wood. Don’t pour the cleaning product all over your deck. Test it on a small area first so you can see if it works well or not. Apply the deck cleaner into the wood using a stiff bristle brush, and rinse the deck with water after.
Remember these things when you’re cleaning your deck. If your deck is elevated, put a protective sheeting below. Cover the plants in the near vicinity with a cloth because the chemicals in the deck cleaner can be harmful to the plants, causing it to wither or die.
4. Foundation Inspection:
If the snow or frost around your home hasn’t melted yet, check the drainage paths around your house and remove the blockage. Clearing the area will help the melted snow and ground frost flow away from your foundation. Check the sewer drains near your property as well.
Leaks in the foundation can also be found in the basement, so make sure to check that area, too. Use compacted soil in your yard to avoid the chances of rain flooding your yard and foundation.
5. Window Washing
A cloudy day is an ideal time to clean your windows. If you do it on a sunny day, your windows will dry quickly but can cause streaking. Check the weather forecast in Ottawa for updates.
Remove accumulated dirt on the window before you start applying anything. Use a brush or a broom to remove the dirt. If you apply the cleaner on a dirty window, the dust will smear your window, and it will take a longer time to finish your cleaning job.
Apply the cleaning solution using a sponge to clean your outdoor windows. Rub thoroughly to remove all traces of dirt. Use a squeegee to remove the solution from your window. Start at the top and work your way down in an s-pattern. Use a squeegee with a soft rubber edge for best results.
6. Touch Up Exterior Paint
Proper maintenance of exterior paint can extend its lifespan, delaying the time for a repaint. Check your walls for hairline cracks or other subtle damages. These issues can cause moisture to leak into your house damaging the wood underneath.
If you spot an issue, touch up the paint or get a second opinion on whether a full repaint is in order.
Takeaway
Spring is the ideal season to do home maintenance because the weather is neither too hot or too cold. There are a lot of things that you need to check around the house, and this article can help you get started on the basics. So bring out your gloves, put on your safety glasses, and start cleaning your Ottawa home this spring.
