Spring Home Repairs That May Be Needed After a Brutal Canadian Winter

The frigid temperatures, snow, ice and winds of Canadian winters take their toll on homes over the winter months, making it especially important for homeowners to look over their homes in the spring to catch any issues before they’re left dealing with more costly repairs. Roof Damage Accumulating snow and ice on your roof can cause damage, especially if ice damming has occurred during the freeze/thaw cycle on a shingled roof. If you have a shingled roof, examine it when you can safely access it and look for cracked, loose or curling shingles as these are all signs your roof is needing to be repaired or replaced. Walkways and Laneways Asphalt, interlocking and patio stones can crack, chip, shift and lift over the course of the winter months and into spring as the ground thaws, so be sure to inspect all paths of access to your property and home in the spring to ensure walkways and laneways are level and without damage which could cause someone to trip and fall on your property. Even what might seem to be a small issue can raise a liability issue should an accident occur and someone be injured so be sure to have any problems with walkways or laneways repaired in a timely manner. Foundation There’s a good chance snow and ice piled up around your home’s foundation over the winter, so take a walk around and inspect your foundation outside and inside looking for signs of damage or cracks. Sometimes even a small crack can cause water to enter your home and create a mess with damage to insulation, flooring, your household contents, and in worst-case scenarios, the structural integrity of your home. Be sure to have a professional address any potential issues in a timely manner. Landscaping The weight of snow and ice buildup along with fierce winter winds can cause branches of trees and large bushes to weaken, break partially or break off completely and fall. If you have trees or bushes on your property, check to see if any branches are in danger of falling on people, power supply lines, or buildings. If you’re not experienced or comfortable trimming trees or bushes or removing branches at risk of falling, call a professional. Much like spring is a popular time to clean, declutter and for maintenance jobs around the home, it’s just as important to think about the exterior of your home and your surrounding yard or property as well. By staying on top of these areas of your home you can save yourself from dealing with larger repair jobs and accidents or injuries.