When to Start Spring Checks
Spring maintenance in Canada begins after the last significant frost has passed and daytime temperatures are consistently above freezing. This varies by region: April in southern Ontario and British Columbia, May in the Prairie provinces and much of Quebec, and later still in northern regions. Starting too early, while freeze-thaw cycles are still active, means that some damage (cracked caulking, heaved walkways) may not yet be complete, and that exterior work requiring adhesion or curing is premature.
Exterior: Roof and Eavestroughs
A visual inspection of the roof from the ground or a ladder identifies missing, lifted, or damaged shingles caused by winter ice and wind. Ice dams, if present through winter, can lift shingles at the eave edge and may have allowed water infiltration. Signs of this include staining on the underside of roof sheathing, visible from the attic, or water stains on ceiling drywall near exterior walls.
Eavestroughs should be cleared of accumulated debris — decomposed leaves, seeds, and granules from aging asphalt shingles — once trees have leafed out and any final shedding is complete. Downspout extensions should be reattached if removed for winter and directed at least 1.8 metres away from the foundation.
| Area | Spring Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Visual inspection for damaged or missing shingles | Check from ground; use binoculars if needed |
| Eavestroughs | Clear debris; check for sagging or separations | Run water to verify drainage to downspout |
| Downspouts | Reattach extensions; verify clearance from foundation | 1.8 m minimum extension recommended |
| Foundation | Inspect for new cracks or efflorescence | Horizontal cracks require professional assessment |
| Caulking | Check window and door perimeters; re-caulk as needed | Use exterior-rated silicone or polyurethane |
| Driveway/walkways | Note frost heave cracks for repair when dry | Seal cracks before water entry causes further damage |
Exterior Water Systems
Outdoor hose bibs that were shut off and drained in fall can be re-opened once frost risk has passed. If a frost-free hose bib was installed, it may be used year-round, but the connected hose should still be disconnected when not in use to prevent backflow freezing. Irrigation systems should be re-pressurized only after consistent above-freezing nighttime temperatures are expected.
HVAC and Ventilation Transition
In spring, the furnace transitions from continuous heating to standby operation. The furnace filter should be inspected and replaced if dirty — filters loaded from a full heating season reduce efficiency whether the furnace is running for heat or for air circulation. Central air conditioning systems, if present, should have their outdoor condenser unit uncovered and visually inspected before first use. A licensed HVAC technician should perform a refrigerant check if the system hasn’t been serviced recently.
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) used in newer homes should have their filters cleaned in spring as part of the seasonal transition. The summer bypass mode on an HRV allows for fresh air exchange without heat recovery, which is appropriate when outdoor temperatures are mild.
Basement and Interior
Spring is the highest-risk period for basement water infiltration in Canadian homes, as snowmelt and spring rain coincide with saturated ground. Check window wells for standing water, inspect the sump pump (if installed) by pouring water into the pit to verify activation, and look for efflorescence (white salt deposits) on concrete block walls, which indicates water movement through the wall over time.
Exterior Wood and Painted Surfaces
Wood decks, fences, and window trim should be inspected for paint failure, soft spots indicating rot, and fastener corrosion. Any soft wood discovered should be assessed for extent before deciding between repair and replacement. Deck boards with significant cracking may benefit from sanding and re-sealing, but this should wait until the wood has dried thoroughly from winter moisture.