Toronto's winter deposits 5 months of damage on your home's exterior — 130,000+ tonnes of road salt, 80+ freeze-thaw cycles, ice dam debris, and months of accumulated grime. Spring cleaning isn't cosmetic — it's damage prevention. Here's every exterior task, organized by priority, with the right timing for Toronto's climate.
🔴 Week 1 (April 1-7) — Critical Priority
1
Clean gutters/eavestroughs — Remove winter debris (leaves, shingle grit, ice dam remnants). Flush all downspouts. Confirm water flows freely before April rains. Cost: $150-$300. Gutter cleaning →
2
Inspect chimney from ground — Look for leaning, missing cap, visible mortar damage. If anything looks wrong, book roof-level inspection. Cost: Free (visual) or $75-$150 add-on with gutter cleaning.
3
Check downspout extensions — Ensure water discharges 4+ feet from foundation. Replace any missing or damaged extensions ($10-$20 each). Downspout guide →
🟡 Week 2 (April 8-14) — High Priority
4
Clean all windows — Remove winter salt film before sun bakes it permanent. Interior + exterior. Include screens, tracks, sills. Cost: $150-$350. Window cleaning →
5
Inspect window seals — Check for between-pane condensation (failed seals). Note which windows need IGU replacement. Foggy windows guide →
6
Pressure wash driveway & walkways — Remove winter salt, sand, and oil stains. Re-apply polymeric sand to interlock joints if depleted. Cost: $150-$350. Pressure washing →
🔵 Week 3 (April 15-21) — Standard Priority
7
Clean soffits & fascia — Remove algae and winter grime from under-eave surfaces. Check for pest damage (carpenter ants, woodpeckers). Soffit guide →
8
Clean deck — Sweep debris. Pressure wash at material-safe PSI. Inspect for winter damage (heaved boards, popped nails, split wood). Plan staining if needed. Deck guide →
9
Clean fence — Pressure wash (wood: 500-1,200 PSI; vinyl: 1,000-1,500 PSI). Check for leaning posts and loose boards. Fence guide →
10
Spring up patio furniture — Uncover, inspect for mould, clean by material type, check hardware, apply protectant. Patio furniture guide →
🟢 Week 4 (April 22-30) — Finishing Touches
11
Install/clean window screens — Clean screens before installing. Check for tears. Replace damaged mesh ($15-$40/screen). Screen guide →
12
Reconnect rain barrel — Install diverter, check screen, clean barrel interior with diluted vinegar. Rain barrel guide →
13
Clean retaining walls — Remove efflorescence and winter algae. Check for structural shifting. Retaining wall guide →
14
Clean garage door — Pressure wash bottom-up. Lubricate hinges and tracks. Garage door guide →
15
Schedule dryer vent cleaning — Annual cleaning prevents fire risk. Book with a specialist. Dryer vent guide →
The MANTLE Complete Spring Package: Book windows + gutters + pressure washing together and save 15-20% vs individual services. One visit, one crew, one day — your entire exterior handled professionally in a single appointment. Most homes complete in 3-5 hours. Use code SPRING10 for an additional 10% off before April 15. Get your spring package quote →
Print this checklist: Bookmark this page or print it. Work through it April 1-30 and your home's exterior will be in peak condition for summer. The tasks are ordered by priority — gutters first (prevent water damage), windows second (prevent salt etching), then everything else. Even if you only complete the first 6 tasks, you've handled the critical maintenance that prevents expensive damage.
Complete Spring Package — One Visit, Everything Done
Windows + gutters + pressure washing bundled. 15-20% savings. Code SPRING10 for extra 10% off.
Get Spring Package Quote →Or call (416) 206-3274
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