Seasonal Maintenance Tips

You can download a complete copy of our Minto Home Care Guide here for more information.

We want to ensure your home is functional and comfortable for many years to come, so we've provided some basic tips for maintaining your new home season-by-season.

Spring & Summer

• Change furnace filter regularly (and HRV filter if applicable)
• Check smoke detectors
• Inspect air conditioning unit for proper operation (don't wait for a hot day!)
• Inspect exterior paint and repaint as necessary (1 year warranty)
• Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles
• Check vents, louvers and chimneys for nests or obstruction
• Check caulking and weather stripping for decay or gaps
• Reinstall all interior window screens
• Check driveway joint at garage entrance for cracks and seal as required
• Balance air grills and dampers tailored for personal comfort
• Close fireplace pilot light
• Check faucets, hose bibs and valves for leakages
• Check for oil spills on driveway
• Check for cracks, indentations in driveway and walkway
• Check door locks (1 year warranty)
• Inspect water standpipe in front lawn for any movement as a result of frost heave
• Break up large amounts of snow and ice that may cause “winter kill” to your grass
• Water any new sod daily, and then water periodically once sod is established (depending on amount of rainfall)
• Cut lawn frequently
• Spring maintenance, regular fertilizing and weed control of new sod, as recommended by a nursery or garden center
• Cultivate, weed and maintain the reservoir around a newly planted tree – do not raise the ground level around the base of the tree or plant flowers
• Maintain watering and fertilizing of new trees

Fall & Winter

• Change furnace filter regularly (and HRV filter if applicable)
• Check smoke detectors
• Check furnace for proper operation (don't wait for a cold day!)
• Seal joint between driveway and garage floor
• Periodically inspect roof vents to ensure proper ventilation
• Ensure soffit and roof vents are clear, and clear excessive snow from roof to prevent ice damming, roof leaks and ice sliding off your roof
• Check caulking and weather stripping for decay or gaps
• Apply lubricant to garage door rollers and tracks
• Re-seal garage floor and repair any cracks with grout as required
• Drain exterior water lines, hose bibs, and remove hoses to prevent frozen pipes
• Periodically check that snow has not accumulated in air intake and exhaust vents
• Monitor and adjust humidity levels in the home to minimize window condensation
• Balance air grills and dampers tailored for personal comfort
• Re-light pilot light in fireplace (if necessary)
• Remove all window screens
• Cover exterior air conditioning unit