Maybe it's too soon to replace winter sweaters in all your closets with summer tank tops or throw your ice skates and toboggans into storage, but with the kind of weather we are having of late makes it natural to focus on the interior of your house for the Great Big Spring Clean.
However, care and attention should also be given to the exterior of your home because while we are inside keeping warm from Calgary's unpredictable cold, the outside of our home battles all the elements on our behalf. Here are some of our tips on things to check into on the outside of your home and yard as you prep for that first inaugural BBQ of the season:
Check the exterior of your walls for chipped paint, mold, or splitting wood. To prevent anything from being damaged further, deal with these issues right away. If you have brick on your house exterior, check for mold and mildew and remove them by mixing a simple solution of bleach and water, (1 cup of bleach commands 4 L of water).
Clear all your gutters. So many leaves and twigs naturally fall into these lengthy pockets on your roof and this seasonal souvenir needs to be dealt with so not to clog your downspouts and cause water damage to your roof when the rain comes. If heights aren't your thing, there are many companies in the city to help you out.
Wash your windows. Grime and dirt will build up throughout the winter season so using warm soapy water (and not just window cleaner) will get the job done. Spring is also a good time to check the lubrication of all moving parts on your windows as well as the condition of your window frames, especially if they're wooden. Give your screens a proper cleaning too-they also get quite dusty and filthy throughout the winter months.
Check your driveway and sidewalks for cracks. If moss is appearing through them already, spray some vinegar and scrub them away.
Once the snow has melted off your roof, it should be checked for any loose shingles or damage, however, that's best left to a roofing company simply because it is safer for you.
Warmer weather commands you entertain not in your living room, but on your deck. Oxalic acid, which can be found in any hardware store, can be used to kill any microorganisms on your deck. After 24 hours, you can apply a stain to your deck to get it BBQ ready. Once the floor of your deck is refreshed, you can take out your patio furniture and prep it by wiping it down with soap and water, checking all the screws and fluffing your pillows.
Lastly, take some time to remove the layer of dead leaves and grass from your garden. A little of bit of weeding and gardening to expose the lush layers beneath will go a long way in making your yard and garden look spring-ready. Sharpen the blades of your lawn mower and perhaps change the oil too-mow low to remove the dead grass tops before you put out the picnic blankets and anchor in the soccer nets. Here comes the sun (George Harrison was right!), so grab your shades and enjoy the splendor of your Spring-ready yards and homes.
Mother Nature gifted us a particularly cold and bitter winter this year, so it truly feels great to be out in the sun in fewer layers. If you have any other tips to share about taking care of the exterior of your home, we'd love to hear them and pass them on to all our readers.
Mark