Typically, the warming weather at the end of spring heralds the arrival of relaxing weekends, BBQs and long evenings outsides. But wise homeowners know that early summer is the ideal time to inspect their property from top to bottom.
Why? Because seasonal heat, humidity and thunderstorms can reveal (or worsen) certain issues caused by winter’s harsh conditions. Taking a few hours to conduct the following inspections may help you avoid expensive repairs down the road—and extend the life of your house.
1. The Roof: Your Home’s First Line of Defence
The rigours of winter can damage the roof’s shingles, seals, and flashing. Climb a ladder (or hire a professional to do so) to look for the following issues:
- missing, cracked or curled shingles
- debris build-up in gutters
- signs of moss or algae (indicating persistent damp)
Pro tip: Walk around your attic on a sunny day: if you see rays of light streaming through the roof, it’s time to act.
2. The Foundation: Hunting for Tiny Cracks
Melting snow in combination with the freeze-thaw cycles may have caused small fissures to appear. Inspect
- around the foundation’s perimeter to detect horizontal or stair-step cracks (look up photos online to help you identify them); and
- along your basement’s walls to uncover any evidence of water seeping in.
Watch out for: White powdery stains on walls (efflorescence) point to a humidity problem.
3. The Doors and Windows: More Than Just Looks
Damaged seals or inadequate caulking can lead to energy loss… and an insect infestation.
- Examine the weatherstripping.
- Make certain the screens are intact.
- Clean the tracks to ensure sliding windows and doors work properly.
For extra comfort: Regular maintenance can reduce your cooling costs by blocking heat transfer from outside.
4. The Air Conditioner: Breathe Better, Spend Less
Make sure your air conditioning system is running optimally before the intense heat sets in.
- Replace or clean the filters (a clean filter can lower energy consumption by 5 to 15%!).
- Have the outdoor unit inspected (it may be blocked by fallen leaves or debris).
- If it’s been more than three years old, consider calling in a professional to perform a maintenance check.
5. The Deck and Outdoor Structures: Safety First
Cracked wood (that can leave splinters in bare feet), loose screws, rotten planks… A single rusty nail has the potential to ruin your BBQ party.
- Examine the banisters, stairs and guardrails.
- Look for signs of insect damage or rotting.
- Apply a coat of sealer as necessary to prolong the wood’s life.
Remember: A deck in good condition will increase your property’s perceived value.
6. The Drains and Gutters: The Key to a Dry Basement
Poor drainage is a leading cause of water leaks in basements. Make certain rainwater flows away from the house.
- Clear the gutters.
- Ensure the downspouts direct runoff at least 1.5 metres from the foundations.
- Test any surface drains on your property.
7. Don’t Forget Your Yard and Landscaping
Don’t neglect your yard.
- Correct the grading around your house’s foundation (a sunken area may channel water toward the building instead of away from it).
- Cut branches that have grown too close to the roof: they may damage it during a storm as well as serve as a direct route into your residence for pests.
If you don’t have the time to carry out these annual inspections yourself—or you just don’t feel like it—hire a trustworthy inspector or general contractor. Your house will thank you—and maybe even your wallet!