Spring is the ideal season to inspect and maintain the exterior of your home. After the rigours of a Luxembourg winter — frost, wind, and humidity — hidden damage may have accumulated that, if left unaddressed, will worsen during the summer months. Here is the complete checklist for a perfectly maintained exterior.
Quick Checklist: Spring Outdoor Maintenance
| Area | Task | Priority | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | Visual inspection of slates/tiles | High | €0 (DIY) |
| Gutters | Full cleaning | High | €80–300 |
| Facade | Inspect cracks and joints | High | €0 (DIY) |
| Terrace/patio | High-pressure cleaning | Medium | €0–150 |
| Garden | Trim hedges, trees, shrubs | Medium | €150–500 |
| Gate/fencing | Check hinges and paint | Low | €50–300 |
| Shutters | Check mechanism + repaint | Low | €0–200 |
| Exterior tap | Recommission + check seals | High | €0 |
1. The Roof: Post-Winter Inspection
The roof is your home’s first line of defence. Winter can displace slates, damage flashings, or deteriorate ridge tiles.
What to Check
- Slates or tiles: look for broken, lifted, or missing elements (visible from the ground with binoculars)
- Ridge tiles: verify that all pieces are properly seated
- Flashings: around chimneys, dormers, and skylights — a common weak point
- Moss and lichen: an anti-moss treatment prevents deterioration (€100–300)
Never climb onto a roof without proper safety equipment. Call a professional roofer for any intervention (diagnostic visit: €100–200, often deducted from the cost of subsequent work).
2. Gutters and Downpipes: Cleaning Is Vital
Blocked gutters in spring mean overflowing water during summer storms — which are frequent in Luxembourg. Annual cleaning is sufficient for most homes.
- Clean gutters: remove leaves, mud, and accumulated debris (€80–200)
- Check the slope: gutters must be slightly inclined towards the downpipes
- Inspect joints: a deteriorated joint causes water infiltration on the facade
- Leaf guards: worth installing if there are trees nearby (€50–150)
3. Facade: Cracks and Joints to Monitor
The freeze-thaw cycles of winter can create or worsen cracks in the facade. Inspect:
- Facade cracks: hairline cracks (under 2 mm) require simple maintenance; wider cracks need professional assessment
- Expansion joints: re-seal if cracked or missing
- Plinth / base of walls: check for rising damp at ground level
- Paint or render: re-rendering every 10–15 years protects the facade (€20–60/m²)
4. Garden and Outdoor Spaces
Spring is the perfect season for garden work. In Luxembourg, some tree-felling operations may require municipal authorisation.
Trees and Shrubs
- Formative pruning: March–April before new leaves appear (apple trees, pear trees, roses)
- Dead or dangerous branches: remove before summer storms
- Hedges: first seasonal trim in March–April (gardener: €30–60/hour)
Terrace and Patio
- High-pressure cleaning: remove moss, algae, and grime (Karcher hire: €40–80/day)
- Patio joints: re-point if crumbling — prevents weeds and water infiltration
- Garden furniture: bring out and inspect after winter storage
5. Recommissioning Exterior Installations
- Exterior taps: reopen after checking for leaks (winter frost may have damaged the seals)
- Irrigation system: check hoses and spray heads after winter storage
- Swimming pool: start recommissioning from mid-April (water treatment + pump check)
- Exterior lighting: test spotlights, festoon lights, and motion detectors
Find Tradespeople on tack.lu
Over 70 roofers and 50 gardeners are listed on tack.lu in Luxembourg.
FAQ
When Is It Too Early to Start Spring Work?
In Luxembourg, late frosts can occur through to March. Wait until overnight temperatures remain above 0°C before applying paint, render, or doing any planting. For inspections, you can start as early as February–March.
Do I Need a Permit for Facade Work in Luxembourg?
A simple repaint or re-rendering of a facade does not generally require a permit. However, a change of colour or material in a protected area may require municipal authorisation. Contact your commune before starting work.
Are There Grants Available for Garden Work in Luxembourg?
Some Luxembourg communes offer grants for tree planting or the creation of natural gardens. Check your commune’s website. The Klimabonus does not cover garden work, but does cover certain insulation or roofing improvements.
