Outdoor Upkeep Tips Every Calgary Homeowner Should Know

Outdoor Upkeep Tips Every Calgary Homeowner Should Know
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Residing in Calgary means that your home undergoes as many changes as the weather. One minute it is -25 °C, then the next it is melting. That being the case, you must make your home resilient. Here are some simple tips to maintain the exterior of your property.

Check and diagnose furnace problems

Your furnace labors overtime during long Calgary winters. Even though most of its elements are housed indoors, the outside ventilation system is not very noticeable. Check the intake pipes and exhaust pipes of your furnace.

Remove any debris covering them. That includes the snow, ice, and leaves. Any obstruction may result in incompetent performance. Even worse, unsafe accumulation of carbon monoxide.

While at it, note unusual furnace conditions like:

  • Weird sounds
  • Poor air circulation
  • Inflated utility bills.

Those can be the precursors of something going wrong. If something does not seem right, seek a professional furnace repair Calgary before the actual cold. An efficient working furnace is indispensable.

Clean your gutters regularly

Calgary offers a combination of poplar fluff, fall leaves, and heavy snowfall. Hence, gutters can easily get clogged. As a result, melted snow will not find an outlet. Thus, it can collect around your foundation. Even worse, it can freeze and cause ice dams on your roof. So, here is what to do:

  • Inspect gutters during late fall and early spring.
  • Remove the debris by hand or with a small scoop.
  • Run the system with water to be sure everything flows well.

This way, your siding, roof, and foundation will be clean.

Maintain and protect your deck

Your deck is exposed all year long to the weather in Calgary. The dry climate and seasonal temperature variations are unpredictable. They may cause boards to crack and warp. Fading is the most common effect. Here is what you should do:

  • Scrub your deck once a year.
  • Check for loose nails and splintering boards.
  • Stain or reseal it after every two to three years. This will preserve it against UV and moisture.

These simple tasks will significantly prolong its life.

Inspect your roof after extreme weather

After any vigorous weather, inspect the roof around your house. Check on:

  • Missing shingles
  • Visible dents
  • Loose flashing.

There is no need to climb up. You can use binoculars.

Even minor damage may develop into leaks in the next freeze-thaw period. So, when something appears suspicious, hire a roofer.

Keep your drive and walkways clean

The climate can be harsh on concrete and asphalt. These temperature fluctuations lead to expansion and contraction. The result is large cracks on your driveway.

Every spring, seal any crack you notice. Use a sealant where necessary. Sealing the moisture out of those crevices will help avoid additional damage. It will keep your surfaces safer during icy months.

Wrapping up

These outdoor maintenance activities help your Calgary home withstand all the seasons. Some small preventive effort now spares you a costly surprise later. It makes your home secure and prepared to take any future weather changes.

Picture of Randy Lemmon

Randy Lemmon

​Randy Lemmon serves as a trusted gardening expert for Houston and the Gulf Coast. For over 27 years, he has hosted the "GardenLine" radio program on NewsRadio 740 KTRH, providing listeners with practical advice on lawns, gardens, and outdoor living tailored to the region's unique climate. Lemmon holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Science in Agriculture from Texas A&M University. Beyond broadcasting, he has authored four gardening books and founded Randy Lemmon Consulting, offering personalized advice to Gulf Coast homeowners.
Picture of Randy Lemmon

Randy Lemmon

​Randy Lemmon serves as a trusted gardening expert for Houston and the Gulf Coast. For over 27 years, he has hosted the "GardenLine" radio program on NewsRadio 740 KTRH, providing listeners with practical advice on lawns, gardens, and outdoor living tailored to the region's unique climate. Lemmon holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Science in Agriculture from Texas A&M University. Beyond broadcasting, he has authored four gardening books and founded Randy Lemmon Consulting, offering personalized advice to Gulf Coast homeowners.

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