Prepare Your Victoria Home for Spring With These Maintenance Tips

As the snow melts, it’s time to prepare your home for spring. Early maintenance prevents damage from rain and wildlife, allowing you to appreciate the beautiful weather in peace. What should you prioritize on your to-do list? These three home maintenance services in Victoria are essential for a fun and hassle-free spring.

1. Check Your Hose

Garden hoses get a lot of use during spring, so it’s a good idea to check yours before watering the lawn. Proper winter storage protects hoses from freezing damage, but you should inspect the length just in case. Leaks can interfere with water pressure, so replace your hose if you notice any holes or cracks.

Also, ensure you have a safe storage space to reduce the risk of tears and kinks. It’s tempting to leave your hose out when you use it every day, but that can expose it to ultraviolet radiation and tangling. A reel is an excellent way to keep your hose organized and out of the way. If you choose a fixed model, place it out of direct sunlight; you can also find portable models that fit in a shed.

Do you use a sprinkler system? You should ensure it’s in top shape before setting a watering schedule. A home repairs professional can evaluate your system for the following:

• Loose or broken wires

• Damaged connectors

• Under-performing transformer

• Dirty or broken valves and heads

• Low water pressure

2. Inspect the Chimney

After a winter of use, your chimney needs a little TLC. Repeated fires cause creosote to build up, which can be dangerous. Since this byproduct is flammable, it could result in a chimney fire if it isn’t cleaned out.

There’s also the issue of debris. If you don’t have a chimney cap, twigs and leaves may have blown into the flue during storms. Accumulated debris can catch fire or even block the flue, forcing toxic smoke into your house.

If you haven’t used your chimney, there’s a chance something’s living in it. Birds, bats and even raccoons like to nest in unused flues, as they’re the perfect shelter: warm, dry and close to food. Lighting a fire with wildlife in your chimney can harm your home, your family and the animals, so you should never attempt to “smoke out” anything living in the fireplace.

A professional can inspect and clean your chimney, ensuring it’s ready for next winter. Spring is the perfect time to engage these services, as the closer you get to autumn, the more difficult it will be to make an appointment.

3. Clean Your Gutters

Snow and ice can wreak havoc on your gutter system, so scheduling maintenance before the rains hit is critical. The first step is to remove twigs, leaves and other debris clogging the gutter. A professional handyperson can do this, saving you the trouble of climbing up and down a ladder.

Once the gutter is clear and flushed, you can evaluate the system. Ice and snow can put excessive weight on the system, causing it to lean away from the eaves. If you notice this issue, schedule repairs immediately. Otherwise, water may puddle near the house, damaging the foundation.

You may also notice algae, mould or mildew growing on the gutter, eaves or roof. These issues can decrease curb appeal and undermine the structural integrity of your home, so call a professional to address them immediately.

Preparing your home for spring doesn’t have to be a challenge. Rather than searching “handyman near me,” contact Handyman Connection online or give us a call. Our team offers a variety of services, including flooring installation, electrical repair and deck construction. We’re proud to deliver top-quality service, no matter the project.