Spring in the Fraser Valley means the rain is easing up, the days are getting longer, and your home just survived another wet BC winter. Before you get too comfortable, now is the time to check for damage, clean up what winter left behind, and get ahead of any issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Here’s what every Fraser Valley homeowner should be tackling this spring.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof just handled five months of heavy rain. Walk around your property and look up — are there any shingles that are curled, cracked, or missing? Do you see moss growth that’s gotten worse over the winter? Are there dark streaks or stains that weren’t there in the fall?
You don’t need to climb up there yourself. A ground-level visual inspection catches most obvious issues. If anything looks off, call a roofer for a professional inspection before the spring rain picks back up. Catching a small problem now prevents a leak that damages your ceiling, insulation, and drywall later.
Cost: Professional roof inspection typically runs $150–$400 in the Fraser Valley, depending on roof size and complexity. A repair you catch early costs a fraction of what water damage costs if you wait.
Clean Your Gutters
If you didn’t clean your gutters after the leaves fell in November, they’re almost certainly full. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows properties near mature trees are especially prone to buildup. Clogged gutters send water cascading down your siding and pooling around your foundation — exactly where you don’t want it.
While you’re at it, check that downspouts are directing water at least 180 cm (6 feet) away from your foundation. Splash blocks and downspout extensions are cheap insurance against basement moisture.
Cost: DIY with a ladder and gloves, or $150–$300 for a professional cleaning.
Check Your Foundation and Grading
Walk around your home and look at the ground level where it meets the foundation. The soil should slope away from the house in all directions. Over time, soil settles and grading can reverse — especially after a wet winter. If you see areas where water pools near your foundation, you’ve found a problem that needs correcting before next fall’s rains.
While you’re down there, look for any new cracks in the foundation. Small hairline cracks are normal in concrete. Cracks wider than a quarter inch, or cracks that are growing, need professional assessment.
Service Your HVAC
Your furnace worked hard all winter. Spring is the ideal time for an annual tune-up — the technician cleans it, checks for worn parts, and ensures everything is running efficiently before you need it again next fall. If you have a heat pump, spring service covers both the heating components you just used and the cooling components you’re about to need.
This is also the time to replace your furnace filter if you haven’t done it recently. A dirty filter reduces efficiency and makes your system work harder than it needs to.
Cost: Annual HVAC tune-up runs $120–$200. Filters are $15–$50 at any hardware store, depending on type and MERV rating.
Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump — and many Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows homes in low-lying areas should — test it now before you need it. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The pump should kick on, remove the water, and shut off. If it doesn’t, you need service before the next heavy rain.
Sump pumps typically last 7–10 years. If yours is approaching that age, consider replacing it proactively rather than discovering it failed during a downpour.
Inspect Your Deck and Fence
BC’s wet winters are tough on wood. Check your deck for soft spots, popping nails, loose boards, and any signs of rot — especially where the deck meets the house. Look at your fence posts at ground level where they’re most vulnerable to moisture damage.
If your deck needs staining or sealing, spring is the time. Wait for a dry stretch (usually late April through May) and apply a quality waterproof stain. This protects the wood for another year and is far cheaper than replacing rotted boards.
Cost: Deck stain and sealer runs $50–$150 for materials, depending on deck size. Professional deck staining typically costs $300–$800 depending on size.
Check Windows and Doors
Look at the caulking and weatherstripping around all exterior windows and doors. Winter temperature changes cause caulking to crack and pull away, creating gaps that let moisture and drafts in. Re-caulking is a simple DIY job that takes an afternoon and a $10 tube of exterior caulk.
While you’re at it, check for any condensation between double-pane windows. Moisture between the panes means the seal has failed and the window needs to be replaced or reglazed to maintain its insulating value.
Pressure Wash Exterior Surfaces
After months of rain, your driveway, walkways, and siding are probably covered in moss, algae, and grime. A pressure wash brings everything back to life and prevents moss from taking hold permanently. Pay special attention to north-facing surfaces that get less sun — these are where growth is heaviest in the Fraser Valley.
Cost: Rent a pressure washer for $50–$80/day, or hire a professional for $200–$500 depending on the scope.
Turn On and Check Outdoor Taps
If you shut off your outdoor taps for winter (which you should have), turn them back on and check for leaks. Frozen pipes can crack without showing any signs until you turn the water back on. Turn the valve on slowly and watch for drips at the tap, along the pipe, and at any connections.
Plan Your Bigger Projects
Spring is when contractors start booking up for summer. If you’re planning a roof replacement, HVAC upgrade, deck build, or any major renovation this year, get your quotes now. Waiting until June or July means longer wait times, less scheduling flexibility, and potentially higher prices during peak season.
Information current as of April 2026. Cost estimates vary by contractor, location, and scope — always get multiple quotes before committing to a project.
Need Help With Spring Maintenance?
Connect with licensed local contractors across the Fraser Valley.