Keep your property in tip-top shape by taking care of it throughout the year. Our season-by-season practical guide will map it all out for you. Consider it a useful reminder about what annual home maintenance needs to be done and when.
Winter: January to March
There may be less outdoor work to get done on a monthly basis during the cold season with everything covered in snow!
You can make good use of your time by wrapping up small jobs you started during the summer or even contact a RenoAssistance Renovation Advisor to talk about a bigger renovation project you have in mind. There are always important jobs to do around your home to maintain the comfort and security levels you want.
Give the home interior a once over
Use the winter months to check out your home’s interior. Scan ceilings and doorframes to check for cracks to fill, which could indicate too much snow is weighing down the roof. Routinely inspect windows for condensation or frosted glass.
Clean the kitchen appliances
Now move on to deep clean your appliances (stove hood filter, dust behind the fridge, etc.).
Clear the roof
Keep an eye on the roof during the snowy months to watch for ice formation and snow accumulation. Failure to do so is an open invitation to water infiltration! Make sure the roof gets cleared to avoid any risk of overloading as that could put too much pressure on the structure of your home. Preventing potential damage is a smart move.
If you do the work yourself, use the right equipment (anti-fall harness and helmet) and follow all safety guidelines. Wear appropriate clothing, use a ladder (ask someone to be the spotter!) and make sure to have a solid snow removal shovel. Is it a little too high up for your liking? Not comfortable working in such dangerous conditions? Get in touch with a company that specializes in rooftop snow removal.
Spring: March to June
Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to get started on some maintenance outside to get your property ready for the warmer months.
Empty the gutters
One of the first jobs to tackle is cleaning the gutters. Debris builds up over the winter and that could cause a drainage issue or two during spring showers. Empty and wash the gutters to get rid of any blockages and then check that they’re in good working order.
Pour some water and watch how it flows… water should flow freely and unobstructed to the downspouts. If you notice a leak, overflow or stagnation, it could mean there’s a blockage or other structural problem that will require some professional help.
Check all windows and doors
Warmer days mean throwing open all the windows in your house to air it out. This is a good time to check the condition of doors and windows. You should first and foremost adjust and lubricate mechanisms and put back any screens that were removed in the fall. Need a hand? Watch the following video.
General contractor and author Stéphanie Lévesque answers your questions in this video on doors and windows (only available in french). Why not benefit from her expert advice!
Clean the windows and sills
It’s also time to wash the windows so you can enjoy spring light to the fullest. Use a suitable product and a soft cloth to remove all the dirt that accumulated over the winter. Make sure to get rid of any mould and debris, then dust the doorframes.
Inspect the roof
Springtime is a good time to inspect your roof. Look for signs of wear and tear, like missing, damaged or cracked tiles or shingles. It’s a lot easier to do this when there’s no snow on the roof though you should consider doing this on a regular basis. After all, the roof shelters your home from storms, helps maintain its appearance and, by extension, its value.
Are you thinking about replacing the roof? Let RenoAssistance Verified Contractors help you protect your home.
Submit a projectExamine and clean the siding
Inspect your home’s exterior siding and schedule repairs if needed. If you have a wood exterior, replace any damaged planks. If you notice any cracks or holes, fill them with a suitable sealant before sanding and painting any peeling areas.
Have vinyl or aluminum exterior siding? Be sure to tighten any nails or screws that have come loose. Also check the seal around windows and doors and then apply new caulking if it’s starting to crack.
Remember: a well-maintained facade not only makes your home look well cared for, it also contributes to its longevity. Think about cleaning the exterior siding.
Wash the BBQ
It’s almost time for summer barbecues. Get into the grilling game by cleaning your barbecue now. Remove all accumulated food residue and grease so you’re raring to go. All that’s left is to ask: rare, medium-rare or well done?
Make sure the A/C works
Do you use a heat pump to cool your home? You’re going to want it to be in good working order before it gets too hot out. Check the filters and pay special attention to the freon, often the root cause of air conditioning issues.
Or, if you have an air conditioner, make sure it is working properly. Both these devices should be clean and free from obstacles. If a problem does arise, call a verified air conditioning contractor to schedule repairs. HomeExpress is RenoAssistance’s new online referral service that will quickly connect you with trusted contractors.
Find a contractor
Ready to freshen things up around the house? Discover our Spring cleaning article which takes you room by room, offering useful tips on how to clean the kitchen to the living room to the bathroom.
Summer: June to September
Now that summer has arrived bringing mild temperatures and longer days, it’s the perfect time to show your house some love and enjoy being outside. And while you’re at it, here are some more maintenance tips for your house.
Fill any cracks
Cracks in your property’s siding should always be taken seriously. They can let harmful insects get into your home, not to mention water infiltration, which can cause significant problems over the long term. Seal any openings in the siding, then replace damaged caulking and sealant joints where needed.
Check the foundation
It stands to reason that a home’s foundations are essential to its stability and longevity. You can do a spot check during the summer months but also throughout the year. You’ll quickly be able to see any signs of cracking, settling or general damage.
Our maintenance guide will explain how to check the condition of your deck and offer tips to protect it.
Inspect the outdoor living space
Well-maintained land can act as a barrier keeping drainage and erosion issues at bay. Keep an eye on the condition of your outdoor living space in the spring and summer months and focus on imperfections – where you notice settling, unevenness or bare patches of vegetation. These types of areas can allow stagnant water, puddles or run-off to build up. This sometimes damages the soil and creates the perfect conditions for weed growth, as well as soil erosion.
Do what’s needed to fix any such issues and ensure there’s adequate drainage around your house. You can also give the patio tile a good wash and scrub with soapy water.
Inspect the attic
The attic is often the most neglected area in your home but it’s important to regularly inspect it. You’ll be able to detect insulation issues and other damage. We recommend that you follow our seven-step guide to keep your property safe from water infiltration and bug infestations. And you can also watch this video.
Fall: October to December
The leaves are starting to turn, the air is cooling down… say hello to fall and the outdoor chores that go along with it.
Close the pool
All good things must come to an end. There are some key steps to follow to get your pool ready for the fall and winter months: partial emptying, thorough cleaning of the walls and bottom, water treatment with winterizing products, installing a cover, etc.
Closing the pool requires everything to be in order. Don’t take any chances and refer to the information provided by EspaceProprio.
Rake all the leaves
Sure, raking leaves can be a long and boring process. But it’s all for a good cause: you want to keep the ground clean and healthy. You can bag them and drop them off at a composting centre or check your area’s leaf and yard waste pick-up schedule.
Leaving a thin layer of dead leaves on your flower beds can really boost the health of your garden delights. Besides acting like natural insulation during winter, it also protects the roots from intense cold. Leaves decompose over time and enrich the soil with nutrients!
Winterize around the house/yard
The snow’s a coming so you best get moving! You should protect your belongings from the elements. A canvas shelter can be installed outside your front door. Winter covers on plants and bushes can keep them sheltered during the colder months.
Store items no longer in use: garden tools, outdoor furniture, outdoor equipment, awning, lawn mower, etc. This helps you keep things in seasonal order and your belongings in good condition. And before you know it, the season will change again.
Maintenance to-do list
Now that you have an overall view of all the seasonal tasks to do, take a look at the checklist we put together to simplify your annual home maintenance!
Seasonal home maintenance calendar
Winter: January to March
Get small (and bigger) jobs done
Give the home interior a once over
Clean all kitchen appliances
Clear the roof
Spring: March to June
Empty the gutters
Check all doors and windows
Clean the windows and sills
Examine and clean the siding
Wash the BBQ
Make sure the A/C works
Summer: June to September
Fill any cracks in the siding
Check the foundation
Inspect the outdoor living space
Inspect the attic
Fall: October to December
Close the pool
Rake all the leaves
Winterize around the house/yard
Store any fair weather items
Empty the gutters, round two
Download the EspaceProprio mobile app and gain access to guides, video tutorials and detailed completed tasks. You can create your own personalized maintenance guide and all you have to do is check things off your to-do list one by one as the seasons change.
