Ottawa winters are brutal on homes. Five months of freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, ice dams, de-icer exposure, and extreme temperature swings take a toll on every component of your home's exterior and systems. Spring is the critical time to identify and address winter damage before it becomes expensive summer emergencies. A thorough spring maintenance routine takes one weekend for the DIY portions and should be supplemented by professional inspections for major systems. The investment of ...
Roof inspection: Look from the ground with binoculars for missing or damaged shingles, lifted flashing, and sagging areas. Ottawa's ice dams and heavy snow loads are the leading cause of premature roof failure. If you see damage, schedule a professional roof inspection ($200–$400). Gutter cleaning and inspection: Remove winter debris (leaves, shingle grit, ice dam residue). Check for sagging, loose fasteners, and damage from ice. Flush gutters with a hose to verify proper flow. Inspect downspou...
HVAC tune-up: Schedule air conditioning maintenance before the summer rush. Professional AC tune-up costs $100–$200 and includes refrigerant check, coil cleaning, electrical connections, and thermostat calibration. Book in March or April — June is too late and you'll wait weeks. Furnace filter: Replace the furnace filter if it hasn't been changed in the last 3 months. A clean filter improves efficiency and air quality. HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator): Clean or replace HRV filters, clean the hea...
Spring cleanup: Rake leaves, remove fallen branches, and clear garden beds. Don't rush lawn raking — wait until the grass starts growing to avoid damaging dormant turf. Tree and shrub assessment: Look for broken branches from ice and snow damage. Prune damaged branches cleanly to prevent disease. Check for trees leaning toward the house or power lines — schedule removal or trimming with a certified arborist. Grading and drainage: Walk the property after a rain to identify standing water or are...
Begin exterior inspections in late March or early April when snow has melted. Schedule professional services (HVAC, gutter cleaning) in April. Complete all maintenance by mid-May before summer heat and storms arrive.
DIY maintenance (inspection, cleaning, minor repairs) costs $200–$500 in materials. Adding professional services (HVAC tune-up, gutter cleaning, roof inspection) brings the total to $500–$1,500. This prevents $5,000–$20,000+ in repair costs.
Testing your sump pump and checking drainage/grading around the foundation. Spring snowmelt and rain are the leading cause of basement flooding in Ottawa. A working sump pump and proper grading are your first line of defence.
Gentle pressure washing (1,500–2,000 PSI with a wide fan tip) can clean siding, decks, and patios. Avoid high pressure on wood siding, stucco, and older brick — it can cause damage. Soft washing (low pressure with cleaning solution) is safer for most Ottawa homes.