Hopefully Alberta has seen the last of the snow and ice for this winter and it’s time to truly welcome spring. But before that, there are a few essential tasks all homeowners should take care of to ensure their properties maintain their value and are able to withstand the many different types of weather our province throws at us … all year round.
A good spring cleaning is an excellent opportunity to inspect all aspects of your home and provide essential safeguards against potential hazards. This will ensure it remains a safe and healthy haven for you and your family.
Set the stage for a refreshing (and clean!) new season and avoid a home insurance claim with the following steps.
Check your air quality
Start by focusing on indoor air quality. Dust, pollen, and other allergens can accumulate during the winter months, leading to respiratory issues and general discomfort.
Thoroughly sweep and wash your floors, and vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery. Drapes and window coverings should also be cleaned every year.
Pay extra attention to areas prone to moisture buildup, such as baseboards and windowsills. If you notice evidence of mould or mildew, take immediate action to remove it as it can cause structural damage and present health risks if left unchecked. Wear a mask and rubber gloves and use a bleach mixture formula to start.
Basements are also favourite spots for mould and mildew to grow. Look for evidence of water penetration, which will typically show up at the base of any cracks in the walls. Those cracks should be filled as soon as possible as well.
Give your attic a close look to ensure there is still enough insulation, no mould or mildew is growing, and no ice dams have formed.
Inspecting and maintaining HVAC systems
Not every Albertan has air conditioning, but we all have furnaces.
Schedule a professional inspection and maintenance service for your furnace or HVAC system if you have one. Proper maintenance can improve energy efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns.
Make sure to check and change your furnace’s filter regularly according to the manufacturer’s standards. It’s a good idea to put the dates in your calendar so you don’t forget.
Consider hiring a professional duct cleaning service if you haven’t done so in a while.
Fight against pest infestations
Springtime often brings an increase in pest activity as insects and rodents (such as ants and mice) emerge from their winter hiding spaces.
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent pests from entering your home.
- Use weather stripping and caulk to close openings effectively.
- Inspect your home’s exterior for signs of pest activity, such as chewed wood or droppings. Remove debris and vegetation from around the foundation to eliminate attractive habitats.
- Consider implementing natural pest deterrents, such as planting pest-repelling herbs like mint or lavender around your home’s perimeter.
Checking and maintaining safety devices
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are functioning properly and replace batteries as needed. These devices are crucial for early detection of fires and gas leaks and save lives every year.
Every home should also have at least a couple fire extinguishers in strategic locations, such as in your kitchen and laundry rooms, upstairs and downstairs. Teach everyone in the household how to use them, and make sure they all know where they are. Your fire extinguishers should be fully charged and in good working condition.
Evaluating your exterior maintenance needs
Your roof is your home’s greatest protection from extreme weather. Nobody but an expert roof inspector should walk around on your roof – it’s actually bad for your shingles – but you can perform a decent inspection from afar with the use of a ladder, a spotter, and binoculars (or a smartphone with a good camera).
- Inspect for wet spots and excess moisture.
- Look for shingles that are curling, cracked, or missing.
- Check your gutters for shingle granules, which look like tiny beads or large grains of sand. Excess shedding of these granules is a sign your roof is heavily worn. While you’re at it, clean your gutters of any leaves, branches, or debris, or have a professional do it.
- Lots of wear and tear around projections such as chimneys, vents, and pipes is a bad sign.
- Turn downspouts to direct water away from your foundation to prevent flooding.
Then take a walk around the exterior of your home to assess its condition and identify any additional maintenance needs, such as cracked or uneven pathways and broken or damaged fences.
Ask the Lane’s team about your home insurance protection
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta insurance broker and our job is to protect our clients’ interests when dealing with insurance providers. Brokers work for you, not the insurance companies, so we always look out for your best interests and never recommend products that don’t fit your need just for the sake of making a sale.
In addition to comprehensive home insurance policies that can be tailored just for you, Lane’s Insurance offers a complete range of policies and coverage options for just about every imaginable situation.
We are pleased to serve homeowners and residents throughout Alberta. Use the following regional links to contact us at:
- Our Calgary office
- Our Edmonton office
- Our Banff office
- Serving the rest of Alberta
