Design & DIY 7 things everyone should have on their spring maintenance checklist By Allan Britnell Published: April 9, 2021 Updated: June 27, 2022 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by BPonto/Shutterstock 1. Roof check Once the snow is cleared, inspect your roof for missing or damaged shingles and shakes. Ideally, you’ll climb a ladder to get an up-close view. But if that’s not feasible or safe, inspect from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Or take the modern approach and do a flyby with a drone. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Rob kemp/Shutterstock 2. Eavestrough tune-up Clean out the eavestroughs, and securely reattach any sections that have pulled away from the building. The next time it rains, walk around the perimeter of the cottage looking to see if water is leaking through any of the seams and, if so, seal those with caulking later. Also, make sure the downspout discharges at least four feet from the building. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by JuneJ/Shutterstock 3. Deck inspection Wiggle all the deck railings to make sure they’re secure, inspect the stairs for any loose treads, and replace any rotted deck boards. See also: 6 signs you need to repair or replace your deck View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Louis.Roth/Shutterstock 4. Dock assessment Before you reinstall your dock, check to make sure that all the hinges, cleats, and other hardware are secured and working properly. Oil the hinges, tighten all the bolts, and replace any missing or damaged bumpers. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Gary Paul Lewis/Shutterstock 5. Safety equipment Replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the expiry date on your fire extinguisher. You do have a fire extinguisher, right? View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Ozgur Coskun/Shutterstock 6. Bug-proofing Inspect all your window and door screens. Small holes or tears can be sealed with Krazy Glue. For larger areas, you can buy replacement screen materials at any building supply store. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Krasula/Shutterstock 7. Campfire time Restock your firewood pile for your summertime s’mores parties. Remember that if you’re cutting down your own trees, the wood will need to dry for at least a year before you can split and use it. While you’re at it, inspect the trees near the cottage for any potential deadfall. View in Fullscreen Related galleries These cottages maximize every square inch with built-in storage Restoring this cedar log cabin on Lake Huron was a labour of love Let the light in: 5 ways Cottage Life readers brightened their outhouses 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 things everyone should have on their spring maintenance checklist You probably have an opening up checklist that’s tailored specifically to your cottage. But here are seven items that should be on everyone’s spring maintenance list. Featured Video Related Story 5 DIY terms that you might be using incorrectly Related Articles 4 tricks to restore scratched furniture Design & DIY Cottage Q&A: Is there a substitute for creosote? Design & DIY Gift guide: The best cottage blankets to gift this season Design & DIY These cottages maximize every square inch with built-in storage Design & DIY