07 Mar March Home Maintenance To-Do List
Despite this weekend’s fresh coat of frosty powder, we’re still thinking happy thoughts and looking forward to the first sweet signs of spring! Our March to-do list focuses on your home’s post-winter condition. Cold weather and large snowfalls can wreak havoc on a home’s exterior and inner workings. Once the temperature begins to rise and there are no more threats of winter rage, take a walk around your home to ensure it’s in tip-top shape.
Inspect and repair roof, siding and gutters
After the snow and ice have melted, your home’s exterior will require a thorough once-over. Damaged shingles and flashing, leaks, chipped siding and cracked or drooping gutters are all side effects of winter’s scorn. Call the professionals to schedule an appointment for minor or major repairs.
Fireplace maintenance
Once your fireplace is no longer needed, remove any remaining ash debris and close the damper. (The damper is the flap covering the opening to the chimney flue.) Closing the damper will prevent drafts, water, and, yes, sometimes even animals, from entering your home through the chimney.
Clean pantry and refrigerator
When cold weather forces temporary hibernation, we tend to stock up on food we may never touch. Check expiry dates and throw out anything past its prime. For those unopened items you know you’ll never eat, consider donating them to a local food bank. The extra cupboard and fridge space will make items easier to find when you’re whipping up your next culinary masterpiece.
Purge closets
Season transitions are the perfect time to conduct a wardrobe inventory. If you haven’t worn an article of clothing all season, it’s probably time to part ways. While it may seem painful at first, the feeling of satisfaction from an organized and de-cluttered closet is worth the temporary panic attack.
Swap out storm windows and doors for screens
If storm windows were applied, remove them once the last lingering winter weather has passed. Replace storm doors with screen doors and place screens back inside window frames.
Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter
After making all of those yummy soups, stews and chilis, it may be time to give your exhaust hood and filter a good, thorough clean. If too much grease builds up on your range hood filter, it will lose its effectiveness. Fill your sink with hot, soapy water (some recommend adding baking soda), immerse your filter in the suds and give it a good scrub. Some filters can go in the dishwasher, but make sure this is the case before tossing it in with the rest of the dirty dishes. Give it a thorough rinse before placing it in the dishwasher.
Check foundation for cracks and leaks
Extreme cold and frost can cause foundation to crack, creating openings for water to seep inside the home. Seal cracks before they worsen to avoid any timely and costly future repairs.
Clean and sharpen garden tools
For several homeowners, March also means it’s time to prep for the upcoming gardening season. Get ahead of the game and clean and sharpen any tools that were not tended to before the close of last season.
Once winter is officially behind us, give your home the TLC its been craving. And while you inspect your dwelling, start thinking about your spring renovation wishlist. For a little inspiration, check out iloverenovations.ca or call 902-488-5683. If you dream it. We can build it.