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Checklists for winter, spring, summer, and fall to extend your home’s life
Owning a home in Castlegar offers a unique combination of small-town charm, mountain views, and four distinct seasons. But with this beauty comes responsibility — the climate in the West Kootenays can be hard on your home if it’s not properly maintained.
At Legacy Built Homes, we believe that protecting your investment means proactive care, not just reactive fixes. Seasonal maintenance isn’t just about curb appeal or comfort — it’s essential to preserving the structure, efficiency, and long-term value of your home. Whether you’ve built with us or moved into an existing home, regular upkeep will ensure your Castlegar property stands strong through snowstorms, spring runoff, summer heat, and autumn winds.
Here’s your detailed seasonal guide to home maintenance — broken down by time of year — to help extend the life and performance of your home.
Winter: Protect Against Cold and Moisture
Castlegar winters are known for heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, and freeze-thaw cycles. Your goal during this season is to keep warmth in, moisture out, and systems running efficiently.
Begin with a thorough inspection of your heating system. Change furnace filters monthly during peak use and consider scheduling a professional tune-up before deep winter sets in. For homes with wood heat, ensure your chimney is clean and free of creosote buildup. If you rely on radiant in-floor heating, monitor the system pressure and temperature regularly.
Inspect your attic for signs of heat loss or poor insulation — visible snow melt on your roof can indicate warm air escaping. Also check for ice dam formation at eaves, which can damage shingles and lead to interior leaks. Keep attic vents unobstructed to allow proper airflow.
Outside, clear snow from around foundation walls and basement windows. Shovel decks and patios to prevent structural stress, and regularly inspect exterior vents and exhausts to ensure they remain clear of snow and ice.
Spring: Refresh and Inspect After the Thaw
Spring in Castlegar brings thawing snow, rising moisture levels, and the chance to inspect what winter left behind. Start by checking your roof for missing or damaged shingles and flashing, and examine gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re clear and securely attached.
Test all outdoor faucets for freeze damage by turning them on and monitoring for leaks inside and out. As ground frost recedes, examine your foundation for new cracks or water entry points. Make sure your sump pump, if you have one, is operational and ready for spring runoff.
Inside, this is the perfect time to test smoke and CO detectors, vacuum air vents, and give your home a deep clean to improve air quality after a winter spent indoors. Look for signs of moisture damage around windows and in the basement. If you’ve used salt or sand on exterior pathways, give them a thorough rinse to prevent long-term surface damage.
Don’t forget to check the grading around your home — water should slope away from the foundation to prevent pooling and seepage during heavy spring rains.
Summer: Monitor Efficiency and Prepare for Fire Risk
With long daylight hours and warm temperatures, summer is ideal for exterior maintenance and energy efficiency improvements. Inspect caulking around windows and doors, reseal where needed, and check for air leaks. Clean or replace insect screens and service your air conditioning units or heat pumps.
This is also the season for landscaping maintenance. Trim shrubs away from your siding, deck, and eaves to improve airflow and reduce pest access. For homes on larger lots or near forested areas, maintain a defensible fire zone by clearing dry brush and storing firewood away from the house. Clean gutters again to remove nesting debris or early fall leaf buildup that could become a fire hazard in late summer.
Inspect your deck or patio for loose boards, railings, or worn-out stain. Refinish wood surfaces if needed to protect against UV and moisture damage. If you have exterior lighting or irrigation systems, test all timers and sensors to ensure they’re functioning as intended.
Fall: Prepare for the Return of Cold Weather
Fall is your opportunity to prepare your home for the challenges of another Kootenay winter. Begin with a full roof and gutter inspection. Clear leaves from gutters and downspouts, and test that drainage directs water away from the foundation. Trim overhanging branches that could cause damage during snowfalls or windstorms.
Seal cracks in your driveway or walkways to prevent water infiltration and freeze-thaw expansion. Drain and shut off outdoor water lines, and blow out your irrigation system if applicable.
Inside, reverse ceiling fans to clockwise rotation to circulate warm air. Schedule a chimney cleaning if you burn wood, and restock on firewood before the first snowfall. Replace weatherstripping on doors and windows and inspect thresholds for wear.
Clean your range hood filters and ensure your dryer vent is clear to prevent fire hazards. Finally, test your home’s backup systems — whether that’s a generator, battery system, or simply stocking up on essentials in case of a winter storm.
FAQs
How often should I inspect my roof in Castlegar?
Twice a year — once in the spring to assess winter damage, and again in the fall to prepare for snowfall. Early inspections help catch small issues before they turn into major leaks or structural problems.
Is it necessary to clean gutters more than once a year?
Yes. Ideally, gutters should be cleaned in both spring and fall. In forested areas or homes near pine trees, cleaning may be needed more frequently to prevent blockages and water damage.
When should I service my heating system?
Have your furnace or boiler professionally serviced every fall before the heating season starts. Regular filter changes are essential during winter when systems run more frequently.
Can Legacy help with seasonal home inspections or upgrades?
Absolutely. We offer home assessments, upgrade consultations, and seasonal maintenance plans for Legacy-built homes and beyond. Whether it’s insulation improvements, window replacements, or exterior repairs, our team is here to help.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your home throughout the seasons isn’t just a chore — it’s an investment in the safety, efficiency, and comfort of your Castlegar property. With regular care, your home will remain strong, resilient, and ready for whatever nature brings next.
At Legacy Built Homes, we don’t just build homes — we help our clients protect them. Our seasonal checklists and maintenance services are designed to support long-term performance and peace of mind. Whether you’re a new homeowner or have lived in your home for decades, the best way to extend its life is to care for it consistently, year after year.
Want help assessing your home’s readiness for the next season? Contact Legacy today to book a seasonal inspection or schedule a maintenance consultation.
Author’s website- https://legacybuilthomes.ca/
Email- legacybuiltdbr@gmail.com
Phone- 250-558-9531
