Post Move-In
Features & Finishes
Exterior Maintenance
Exterior Maintenance
Maintaining the exterior of your home is important to protect it. Below are tips on how to take care of some of the exterior features of your home so that you can enjoy it for a long time.
Windows
Keeping your windows clean and well-maintained helps support both visibility and long-term performance.
Exterior window surfaces can collect dust and debris, particularly in areas with ongoing construction and with higher wind exposure. Cleaning your windows once or twice a year can help prevent buildup around frames and keep panes clear. While nearby construction is ongoing, you may notice increased dust, and more frequent cleaning may be helpful.
Over time, exterior sealants (caulking) around windows may shrink or wear due to sun exposure and changing temperatures. Periodic inspection and maintenance may be required to help maintain a proper seal.
In Calgary’s wind conditions, it’s also important to ensure windows are fully closed and latched when not in use. Casement windows, which open outward, can be more exposed to strong gusts if left open.
Regular care and attention can help maintain the performance and appearance of your windows over time.
Vents
During the colder months, it’s important to regularly inspect exterior vents to help prevent ice buildup. Ice accumulation can restrict airflow around the vents, which may impact the HVAC system’s performance, causing it to operate at reduced capacity or even shut down intermittently.
Sodded Lawn
Your lawn can be a major factor in your home’s curb appeal and perceived value, and once the sod is laid, the homeowner becomes responsible for maintenance.
New sod requires frequent watering, especially during the first 2 weeks, to help it establish properly. During the first 1-2 years, additional watering may be needed to supplement rainfall, particularly during hot or dry periods.
Watering is most effective in the early morning or evening, when evaporation is reduced.
After 2 years of establishment, drought-tolerant sod typically requires less frequent maintenance and watering. During a drought, sod may become brown but will often return to green once rainfall returns.
View our lawn care guide
Driveway
Your driveway is designed to provide durability and long-term performance, but regular care is important to help maintain its appearance and condition. Concrete is a rigid material and may develop small cracks over time, particularly due to normal settlement and seasonal temperature changes. This is a common characteristic of concrete and is not considered a warrantable defect.
To help maintain your driveway:
- Avoid placing heavy or concentrated loads in one area for extended periods
- Take care when using sharp or metal tools for snow removal to prevent surface damage
- Limit the use of de-icing salts, especially during the first winter, as they can contribute to surface scaling
- Keep the surface clean and free of debris to reduce staining and deterioration
- Avoid using high-pressure washing too frequently, as it can wear the surface over time
- Remove snow in a timely manner to limit moisture exposure and freeze-thaw impact
Concrete continues to cure and strengthen after installation. During this period, minor surface variations or changes in appearance may occur. As part of regular upkeep, some homeowners choose to apply a concrete sealer after the initial curing period to help protect the surface from moisture and weather-related wear.
Fencing
In some cases, fencing is included as part of the home purchase. Where provided by Minto, ongoing maintenance becomes a homeowner responsibility after installation. Fencing materials and designs may vary across the community.
Fencing is typically installed after final grading is completed to ensure property elevations and drainage are properly established.
If fencing is not included, homeowners may choose to install it after taking possession. Side and rear fencing is often shared between neighbouring properties, and it is common for homeowners to coordinate with neighbours and share the cost of installation.
Before installing fencing, it’s recommended to obtain a property survey to confirm lot boundaries and ensure the fence is placed correctly.
Regular inspection and maintenance will help preserve the appearance and condition of your fence over time.
Fence maintenance may vary by type, but often includes:
- Regular inspection for loose boards, posts, or hardware
- Checking for damage from wind and weather conditions
- Cleaning the fence surface to remove dirt and debris
- Addressing minor repairs such as tightening fasteners or replacing damaged components
- For wood fences:
- Applying stain or sealant periodically
- Inspecting for signs of moisture damage, warping, or splitting
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls may be used within your property or community to manage changes in elevation and support proper grading and drainage.
These structures are designed to help stabilize the landscape and direct water flow.
To support long-term performance:
- Avoid placing heavy loads near the top of the wall unless designed for that purpose
- Maintain surrounding drainage to prevent water buildup
- Do not alter the wall or surrounding grading without proper guidance
Minor settling or surface changes may occur over time as part of normal conditions. Significant movement or changes should be reviewed to ensure proper function is maintained.
Wooden Decks
Wooden decks add outdoor living space and require regular maintenance to help preserve their appearance and performance.
Exposure to sun, moisture, and seasonal temperature changes can impact the condition of wood over time.
To help maintain your deck:
- Clean the surface periodically to remove dirt and debris
- Inspect for loose boards, fasteners, or signs of wear
- Apply a protective sealant or stain as recommended for your deck material
- Clear snow buildup during winter months with care to avoid damaging the surface
Over time, wood may naturally fade, crack, or expand and contract with changing weather conditions. Regular upkeep can help extend the life of your deck and maintain its appearance.
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