Spring Fix-Up Checklist for PEI Homeowners
By The Store Team
Another Island winter in the books. Whether it was kind to your house or not, spring is the time to find out. Here's the checklist we walk through every year — the same stuff we'd tell a neighbour if they asked what to tackle first.
Check Your Roof
Get up on a ladder (or use binoculars from the ground — no judgment) and look for missing, curled, or lifted shingles. If you're still dealing with lingering damage from Fiona, you're not alone — we still see folks coming in for repair materials. Ice dams and heavy snow loads can loosen flashing around chimneys and vents too. Catch it now before spring rain finds the gaps.
Clean Out Your Gutters
Every spring, same story: gutters packed with leaves, shingle grit, and whatever else blew up there over the winter. Clogged gutters push water back against the fascia and soffit, and that leads to rot. A quick cleanout and a check for loose brackets will save you a much bigger repair later. We carry gutter guard mesh if you're tired of doing this every year.
Inspect Your Deck
PEI's freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on decks. Walk every board — look for heaving, soft spots, and popped fasteners. If the wood has gone grey or is showing cracks, it's time for a fresh coat of stain. Beauti-Tone Wood Shield is what we recommend for Maritime conditions — it's formulated to handle the moisture and UV we get here. Our paint department can help you pick the right product and colour.
Check the Foundation
Walk the perimeter of your house and look for new cracks in the foundation, especially around corners and where additions meet the main structure. Freeze-thaw does a number on concrete. Hairline cracks can be sealed with hydraulic cement, but anything wider than a pencil is worth getting assessed. We stock patching and sealing products if you want to handle it yourself.
Service Your Lawn Equipment
Before you need the mower for the first time, give it some attention: fresh oil, a new spark plug, sharpen or replace the blade. Same for your trimmer. We carry small engine parts, fuel stabilizer, and replacement blades. Ten minutes now saves the frustration of a mower that won't start on the first warm Saturday.
Plan Summer Projects Early
If you're thinking about a deck build, siding job, or any bigger project this summer, start planning now. Contractors on PEI book up fast once the ground thaws, and lead times on special-order materials can stretch. Bring us your plans and we'll put together a material estimate so you can budget properly.
One more thing: if you've been thinking about insulation upgrades or a heat pump, the efficiencyPEI rebate programs have changes coming on June 2, 2025. The current rebate levels are generous — come talk to us before the deadline and we can help you figure out what qualifies and what you'd save. Better to lock it in now than wish you had in July.