Last spring, we published a blog post to help homeowners identify any home maintenance projects that may need to be addressed now that warmer weather is on the way. To say things are a little different this year is something of an understatement. Still, with many of us spending all of our time at home for the foreseeable future, it is arguably more important than ever to ensure that we can fully access the comforts of home.

With that in mind, we have updated our list of recommendations from last year to help you identify the home maintenance projects that you can undertake while still maintaining a safe social distance.

The roof

The roof of the house is exposed to all the elements, and shingles are often damaged by harsh winter weather. You can visually inspect the roof from the ground to look for any missing or damaged shingles. If you do notice any signs of trouble, you should know that in many parts of Canada, home repair specialists have been declared an essential service. This allows home repair service professionals to continue to operate their businesses, provided they can do so while maintaining a safe physical distance. This means a roofing contractor can complete an inspection of the roof, contact you by phone or email to provide a recommended course of action, complete the work, and accept electronic payments – all without any in-person contact.

Exterior doors and windows

Exterior doors and windows are also areas of the house that are susceptible to damage after a long winter. If you notice any gaps in the caulking around doors and windows, this can eventually lead to moisture damage to the windowsills and door frames. Thankfully, caulking is a project that is relatively easy to do, and many hardware and home improvement stores are open for online orders and curbside pickup for much-needed home maintenance supplies.

Paved driveways and concrete walkways

As winter turns to spring, temperature fluctuations can cause the weakening of concrete and asphalt, which can lead to the development of cracks. It may be some time before you can engage the services of an on-site professional to complete anything other than an emergency driveway repair, but leaving small cracks untreated now can lead to a much larger problem later. Consider treating driveways and walkways with a layer of sealant now as a way to stave off a major repair in the future.

Wooden decks and fences

Unless they are made of cedar or pressure-treated lumber, wooden decks and fences can be particularly vulnerable to the elements and generally need a little TLC on an annual basis. Even cedar and pressure treated decks and fences can deteriorate over time. Thankfully, applying stain or sealant is a relatively simple project and, as the weather continues to improve, spending the day outside working in the yard is something we can look forward to!

We are all adapting to new ways of doing things due to COVID-19. By taking the time to perform routine maintenance tasks, you can do your part to protect your home while still sheltering in place. To learn more about what we’re doing to help our customers, please visit the official statement on our website. Stay safe, healthy and connected!

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