June home maintenance checklist

• Check the attic on a hot afternoon DIY
  Look for daylight where it shouldn't be, water stains on the roof boards, and make sure bathroom fans vent outdoors instead of into the attic. Insulation cost guide →
• Run the basement dehumidifier DIY
  Summer air carries a lot of moisture into cool basements. Keep humidity under about 50%, empty or drain the bucket, and clean the filter.
• Trim trees and shrubs back from the house DIY or pro
  Keep branches off the roof and away from siding. Never trim near overhead power lines yourself: call your hydro utility.
• Clean the dryer vent DIY
  Lint builds up in the duct as well as the trap and is a fire risk. Disconnect the duct and clean it out, and check the outside flap opens freely.
• Drain sediment from the water heater DIY
  If the manufacturer recommends it, drain a few litres from the tank's valve to flush out sediment. Note the tank's age on the label while you're there. Water heater guide →
• Check window screens and weatherstripping DIY
  Patch torn screens and replace weatherstripping that's cracked or flattened, so open windows let in air but not bugs.

General guidance for typical GTA houses. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions, and call a licensed pro for gas, electrical and anything on a roof.