Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
for Toronto Homeowners

Remove winter debris, flush all downspouts, check for damage. Clogged gutters cause foundation damage — the #1 spring priority.

Look for missing/lifted shingles, damaged flashing, ice dam evidence. Binoculars from ground level works — don't climb up.

Look for new cracks, dampness, white mineral deposits (efflorescence), or musty smells. Spring thaw + rain is when leaks show up.

Soil should slope away from your house at 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet. Winter frost heave can reverse grading.

Pour water into the pit — it should activate and pump water out. Replace battery backup if over 3 years old. Spring = peak sump pump season.

5 months of road salt, mineral deposits, and grime. Purified water cleaning lasts 2-3x longer than tap water. Best done April-May before pollen peak.

Winter road salt accelerates concrete deterioration. Spring cleaning removes salt before warm weather locks it in. Interlock: clean + re-sand joints.

Remove mildew, algae, and dirt from siding. Use SOFT wash (low pressure) — never high-pressure wash vinyl siding.

Soft wash wood decks (never high pressure). Check for loose boards, popped nails, rot. Re-stain if needed — wait for 2+ dry days.

Remove dead bugs, dirt, and oxidation from porch lights, pathway lights, and security lights. Replace burnt bulbs.

Slowly turn on outdoor faucets. Check for cracked pipes from frost. Look for drips at hose connections and along visible pipe runs.

Remove winter cover, clear debris around the unit (2ft clearance), rinse condenser fins with hose. Schedule professional tune-up.

Test all detectors. Replace batteries even if they work. Replace any detector over 10 years old. Ontario law requires working detectors on every floor.

Winter freeze-thaw cracks caulking. Re-caulk any gaps — prevents water intrusion and improves energy efficiency. $5 tube of silicone caulk per window.

Fill small cracks with concrete filler before they expand. Water enters cracks → freezes → widens them. $10 fix now vs. $5,000 replacement later.

Remove dead grass and debris. Dethatching promotes new growth and prevents fungal disease. Don't walk on frozen/soggy lawn — wait until firm.

Wait until grass is actively growing (mid-to-late April in Toronto). Use slow-release fertilizer. Too early = feeds the weeds instead.

Remove dead branches, trim anything touching your house (causes moisture damage + pest entry). Cut back overgrown shrubs blocking windows.

Clean edges, pull early weeds, add 2-3 inches of fresh mulch. Mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and looks sharp.

Look for leaning posts, loose boards, rot at ground level. Frost heave can shift entire fence sections. Fix now before it gets worse.

If you haven't replaced it since fall, it's overdue. Dirty filters reduce efficiency 5-15% and circulate dust. $15-$30 at Home Depot.

Switch to counter-clockwise for summer (pushes air down for a breeze). The switch is on the fan motor housing. Takes 10 seconds per fan.

Remove screens, rinse with hose, scrub with soapy water, dry before reinstalling. Dirty screens block 30-50% of natural light.

Remove filter, soak in hot water + degreaser. Grease buildup is a fire hazard and reduces ventilation. Do this twice per year minimum.

Professional tune-up before summer cooling season. Catches refrigerant leaks, cleans coils, and extends system life. Book now — HVAC techs get busy in June.