Crucial home improvement projects to tackle this spring
By Serge Bojinski on Apr 10, 2017
It seems as if we were just putting the patio furniture away and bracing for those blustery winter winds to start. There were a few lingering snowflakes last week but it looks like spring has finally arrived! The warm weather has me thinking of home improvement projects you should tackle this season.
If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you'll want to tackle those projects now so you'll be able to relax once the warmer temperatures arrive. If a contractor is needed, it's important to get "on the list" before schedules start to book up.
Here are some of the most critical home improvement projects you should address right now:
1) Roof
We often take for granted that our home's roof is safe and secure until we notice water stains inside. Canadian winters can take a toll on your roof, so once winter loosens its icy grip, it's time to inspect for damage. Use a pair of binoculars to look for these problems without dragging out the ladder:
- Missing or broken shingles
- Rusted flashing
- Buckling plywood
- Curling or blistering shingles
- Cracked caulking or rubber boots at vent pipes
- Moss or lichen growth
2) Gutter repairs or replacements
It's easy to forget how important your gutters are in keeping your home leak-free. Rainwater and snow run off the roof, collect in the gutters and downspouts and is then carried safely away. This simple device stops water from eroding soil or pooling along your foundation. It also protects against a wet basement or crawl space by reducing hydrostatic pressure build-up.Typical problems to watch for:- Holes
- Leaky corner joints
- Gutter sagging or pulling away from the house
- Disconnected or short downspouts
- Rusty or corroded galvanized steel gutters
3) Windows
Were you surprised at how high your last heating bill was? Did you notice more drafts than other years, especially near the windows? If so, you'll want to inspect the exterior caulking at the window seals. Severe winter weather can cause it to deteriorate and allow water infiltration. If this happens, not only are your windows at risk of rotting, but you can experience water damage inside your home as well. If your windows are more than 15 years old, you may need some replacements.Replacement windows can be expensive, but new technologies such as low-emissivity coatings (Low-E) and argon gas between panes can reduce heat loss in the winter and keep your home cool in the summer—which will result in reduced heating and cooling bills. Consider replacements if your windows have any of these issues:- Difficult to operate—sagging frames or worn out mechanisms may make opening and closing your windows impossible.
- Constantly collect condensation—the seal may have been broken on the panes of glass allowing moisture to collect between or on the inside of the windows.
- High maintenance—do your wood windows constantly require scraping and painting? New window materials such as vinyl or composite are maintenance-free.
- Hard to clean—many new windows can be cleaned from the inside so dangerous ladders are never needed.
- Rotting—this is a major concern that requires window replacement.
4) Siding
Spring-time temperatures will give you an opportunity to walk all the way around your home to see any damage Mother Nature imposed on your siding too. Look for loose, missing or damaged siding. This is a crucial spring renovation project as any gaps in the siding can expose the plywood underneath, leading to mildew and rot as well as compromise the structural integrity of the building.New and improved siding styles and colours are available to fit every architectural design. Schedule a consultation with a professional siding specialist for low-maintenance, attractive siding selections.5) Decking
If you have a wood deck, you know that every winter takes a toll on this structure. Snow and ice sitting on the deck floor and railings for an extended period of time can damage the finish which can lead to rotting.Before you begin reviving your deck, replace any broken, splintered or rotting pieces. Look for protruding nails, loose screws or fasteners or mildew growth. Inspect the support framing under the deck for any rotting, decay or insect damage. Next, power wash it with a special deck cleaner, allow it to dry, then apply stain or sealant. Don't forget to give the railings and balusters a fresh coat as well.Stay safe. Be sure to consult with a decking specialist if repairs are beyond your capabilities.6) Landscaping
Like every other yard in your neighbourhood, your landscaping has likely taken a hit from severe winter weather. Before everything starts to sprout, clean up yard debris and leaves, remove dead or broken shrubs and trees, and thin out overgrown bushes and plants.Aerate your lawn. You can rent a machine from your local home improvement centre that will remove plugs in your lawn to loosen soil and allow it to grow a healthy root system. Re-seed bare spots, apply fertilizer and water the grass.Visit your local garden centre to select updated shrubs and bedding plants appropriate for your growing zone and sun exposure. This will make your yard easier to maintain and keep it looking its best. Consider adding some landscape lighting to show off your hard work day and night.Getting a jump on these exterior home improvement projects early will improve your home's curb appeal and free up time this summer to really enjoy it. What are you waiting for? Get started today!Serge Bojinski is a home improvement blogger and editor at RenoHood.com. He strives to ease homeowners lives searching for home improvement answers and quality service. Follow him on Twitter @SBojinski
