March Home Maintenance Tips for Ottawa Homeowners

Mar 25

March in Ottawa can be confusing—one day it’s freezing cold, the next it’s mild and muddy. But despite the weather mood swings, March is the perfect time to get a head start on home maintenance. After months of snow, salt, and sub-zero temperatures, your home needs a bit of attention to stay in top shape.

Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property pro, this Ottawa-specific March home maintenance checklist will help you avoid costly repairs, improve your home's efficiency, and make the transition to spring smoother (and less soggy).

Let’s break it down.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Clear the Gutters

Why it matters in Ottawa:
Our long winters can be tough on your roof. Ice damming, heavy snow loads, and fluctuating temps all do a number on shingles and flashing.

What to do:

Look for missing, curling, or cracked shingles from the ground with binoculars—or call a pro if you're unsure.
Check for ice damage around eaves and roof valleys.
Clean out gutters and downspouts so melting snow and early spring rain can drain properly.
Make sure downspouts direct water away from your foundation.

Pro tip: Gutter blockages are a major cause of water damage in Ottawa homes come thaw season. Don’t skip this one!

2. Test Your Sump Pump Before the Thaw

Why it matters in Ottawa:
With our rapid spring thaw and heavy rains, basement flooding is all too common—especially in older homes or areas with high water tables.

What to do:

Pour a bucket of water into your sump pit and watch to see if the pump kicks in and drains the water.
Listen for unusual noises or sluggish performance.
Make sure the discharge pipe is clear and flowing away from your home.

Bonus tip: If your sump pump is over 7 years old, consider replacing it before it fails. Backup battery systems are also a smart upgrade in case of power outages.

3. Walk the Perimeter: Foundation, Driveway, and Walkways

Why it matters in Ottawa:
The freeze-thaw cycle causes expansion and contraction, which leads to cracking in concrete and asphalt surfaces.

What to do:

Check your foundation for any visible cracks. Small cracks can usually be sealed with caulking; larger ones may need professional attention.
Inspect your driveway and walkways. Patch any cracks with cold patch or concrete filler.
Look for pooling water near the foundation—a sign that grading may need adjustment.

Preventative measure: Sealing these now can prevent water infiltration and much more expensive repairs down the road.

4. Service Your HVAC System (Yes—Both Furnace & A/C)

Why it matters in Ottawa:
Your furnace just carried you through another frigid winter, and your air conditioning will soon need to step up. March is the perfect time for maintenance, before HVAC companies get fully booked for seasonal tune-ups.

What to do:

Schedule a professional tune-up for your HVAC system.
Replace your furnace filter (this should be done every 1–3 months).
Clean vents and ensure they’re not blocked by furniture.
If you have a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), give it a clean as well.

Pro tip: A well-maintained HVAC system not only lasts longer—it saves you money on energy bills and improves your indoor air quality.

5. Give Your Windows Some TLC

Why it matters in Ottawa:
Natural light boosts mood, and in March, we’re all craving some sunshine. Dirty windows block light and reduce your home's curb appeal.

What to do:

Clean your windows inside and out using a gentle cleaner or vinegar solution.
Check for broken seals or condensation between panes (a sign of failed double glazing).
Inspect window screens for tears or holes—patch or replace as needed.
Test if your windows open and close smoothly. If not, lubricate hinges and clean tracks.

Bonus tip: Clean windows = more natural light = lower lighting bills = happier homeowner.

6. Prep Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces for Spring

Why it matters in Ottawa:
As soon as the snow melts, you’ll want to enjoy your backyard or balcony—but winter leaves behind a mess.

What to do:

Rake up any lingering leaves and remove fallen branches.
Check your lawn for snow mold or damage and plan spring seeding if needed.
Prune shrubs and deadhead any plants that didn’t survive the winter.
Inspect fencing, decks, and railings for loose boards or rot.
Clean outdoor furniture and power wash patios or walkways if safe to do so.

Get ahead: Doing this early helps you avoid the spring landscaping rush—and might even impress the neighbours.

7. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Why it matters in Ottawa:
With more people working from home and appliances working overtime during the winter, fire safety is more important than ever.

What to do:

Replace batteries in all smoke and CO detectors (even if they seem fine).
Press the test button to ensure the alarms work.
Vacuum the units gently to remove dust buildup.
Check expiry dates—most detectors expire after 10 years.

Quick tip: Add a calendar reminder to do this every spring and fall—easy, done, and potentially life-saving.

8. Bonus: Declutter One Area Inside

Why it matters in Ottawa:
We spend so much of the winter indoors—it’s normal for clutter to pile up. Start spring with a clear space and a clear mind.

What to do:

Pick one high-traffic area—entryway, kitchen counters, closets—and give it a refresh.
Donate what you no longer use and store winter gear properly.
Wipe down surfaces and vacuum corners that have been ignored all winter.

Feel-good bonus: A quick declutter can boost mental health, productivity, and make your space feel brand new.

Final Thoughts: Why March Home Maintenance is So Important in Ottawa

Spring maintenance isn’t just about having a nicer-looking home. It’s about preventing damage, saving money, and protecting the value of your property in Ottawa’s unique climate. March is the sweet spot—early enough to get ahead of the thaw and mild enough to work outside without freezing.

Want More Local Tips for Ottawa Homeowners?

We’ve got you covered. From seasonal checklists to buyer and seller guides, our Ottawa-based real estate team is here to help you keep your home in tip-top shape, whether you’re settling in for years to come or getting ready to sell.

Bookmark this post, share it with a fellow homeowner, or tag a friend who needs a nudge to check their gutters. Your future self will thank you.

Need a local contractor, home inspector, or landscaper? Reach out—we’re always happy to share our go-to Ottawa contacts!