Spring is here, and as the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, people tend to get into the spring cleaning mood, planning to declutter and organize for the year ahead!
This transition to warmer weather is a great time for homeowners to spend on preventative measures by doing seasonal home maintenance checks on their homes. You can do many things to keep your home and property safe throughout the year. Spring maintenance checklists can include cleaning and inspecting what’s inside and outside your home.
Here are some things to consider to ensure your home is in great shape after the harsh winter months.
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The Importance of Spring Maintenance
Ensuring your home stays safe and secure this season requires reviewing your insurance coverage. That’s why it’s a good idea to do regular maintenance checks to protect one of your most important assets: your home.
A well-maintained home benefits your lifestyle and wallet. It can cut down on the number of large, costly repairs when something goes wrong. It can also help manage the cost of your insurance.
For example, insurance advisors can look for competitive quotes with preferred rates if your roof or furnace is maintained. A roof less than 20 years old and your current plumbing and electrical can help reduce rates.
Exterior Home Maintenance Tasks
Here are a few things outside your home that should be inspected to ensure they are in good condition:
- Maintain gutters and downspouts. Falling leaves can clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage or roof issues
- Inspect your roof and chimney for loose or damaged shingles, flashing, or bricks
- Check your AC unit to make sure it’s ready to cool your home efficiently
- Trim trees and branches. This reduces the risk of falling limbs causing damage during storms
- Examine walkways and driveways to make sure surfaces are level and safe to walk on by repairing any cracks and broken or uneven surfaces
- Look over your fence, porch, or deck for rotting wood, holes, and cracked or splintered wood. Loose nails and an unfastened railing can be hazardous
- Repar, seal and paint wood. Peeling paint on window sills and soffits/fascia allows water to penetrate wood, causing rot and disintegration and all water penetration into the home’s interior walls.
Interior Home Maintenance Tasks
Here are a few things inside your home that should be inspected to determine if they are in good condition:
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Cleaning out the dryer lint hose can minimize fire hazards in your home
- Examine air filters and swap out any dirty ones; this will help prolong the life of your HVAC system
- Check the attic for any mould or water damage from leaks due to melting snow
- Check the basement for moisture, cracks or leaks
- Check kitchen and bathroom caulk. Over time, it can deteriorate and produce cracks, which can lead to water leaks
- General spring cleaning to declutter and organize belongings
Prepare for Spring Storms
Canada experiences some severe weather conditions, and wind and hail can cause significant damage to roofs, siding, gutters and windows, leading to insurance claims.
Springtime can often bring extreme weather, including windstorms and heavy rain. Stay safe by securing outdoor items like lawn furniture that could become projectiles during high winds. If you live in an area prone to strong winds and heavy rainfall, consider installing storm shutters or reinforcing windows to protect against damage. After inspecting your home and preparing for potential storms, it’s a great time to review and update your home insurance policy.
Review Your Home Insurance Policy
Spring is an excellent time to review your homeowners’ insurance policy. An insurance review is simply a thorough look at your current coverages, which protect your home, family members, and other valuable assets. Make sure you understand what is covered, including natural disasters such as windstorms, fallen trees, and water damage. Talk to your advisor about any concerns and ensure you have adequate coverage for the upcoming season ahead.
Consider Flood Insurance
Spring is a common time for flooding. Flood damage can result from various sources, including overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, or melting snow. Your standard home insurance policy protects you from a wide range of natural disasters, but it typically doesn’t cover flood damage. If you’re concerned about flooding, purchasing a separate flood insurance policy to safeguard your home and belongings is wise.
Spring Flowers
Although spring can be a beautiful time of year, it can also be very hazardous to your property. Maintaining your home is important to keep it safe from potential flooding and other extreme weather events during the changing season.
Keeping your home in good shape will increase and maintain its value. It will also create an inviting living space for you and your family to enjoy, knowing that your home is in tip-top shape for the season!
