Canada is no stranger to the cold. We are more prepared for the snow and ice than most, and have the provisions to deal with the worst of conditions. Even so, the stress our homes take from the colder months can be seen once spring comes back around. This spring, take a survey of your house and see what requires fixing and maintenance. Many of these chores can be done by yourself, or with the assistance of a friend, so you don't need to worry about calling professional help.
Inspection
The first step in assessing the winter damage is to perform an inspection on your home. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home, and make note of anything that appears to be in disarray. The most common places to check are the windows, walls, foundations, and gutters.
Roof
During winter, snow pile-up can cause serious damage to your roof. If left without care, your ceiling could be the cause of drafts and leaks inside the house. If you have any concerns about the integrity of your roof, grab a ladder and climb on. Once there, check to see if any shingles have cracks or are missing entirely. If there are only a few needing repair, they can replaced with a little manual labor. For major damages and disrepair, it may require the attention of a professional roofer.
Chimney
While you're up on the roof, give the chimney a check. If you have a masonry chimney, check to see if the stones or bricks are loose or missing. If any have fallen out or have accumulated vegetation in cracks, this is a good indication that there is water infiltration. In cases such as these, reseal the cracks with a water-resistant application. It may require a few coats before full success.
Gutters
If left unattended, gutters can be a costly fix. Over the course of the winter, leaves and debris can pile up inside your gutters. It is difficult to see the pile up unless you get a ladder and climb see. If there are any clogs, you can just remove them with your hand. If you would like to test the efficiency of your gutters, wait for a rainy day and see if there is water pouring from the sprout. If not, there may still be build up for you to remove.
Foundations
To check the foundation, travel along the outline of your home and see if there are any cracks or holes along the sides of your home. If there are any small cracks, you could repair those with a sealant. If there are large ones, it may be best to call in professional help to avoid anything going wrong in the long run. For cracks in cement away from the foundation, fill them with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk for best results.
Windows
If there any leaks in your window, they will let cool air escape your home (and warm air to enter come summer time). Best to fix that problem before summer rolls around. Check the lining of the windows to make sure that any caulking and weather stripping has remained in place. Replace as needed. Once that has been taken care of, give your windows a nice spring cleaning with household supplies to give them a shiny new look.
With these tips at your disposal, your spring home is sure to be in great condition!