Warranty & Maintenance

Your outdoor space is a long-term investment. Here's how we protect it — and how you can help it last.

Submit a Warranty Claim

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Other Ways to Reach Us

Phone: (647) 619-4977

Email: oakshomeservices@gmail.com

Office: 2015 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2J 1W6

Our Warranty Commitment

Oaks Home Services is a family-owned landscaping company that has been building patios, driveways, decks, pools, and complete backyards across Toronto and the GTA for more than 10 years. We stand behind our craftsmanship with a written labour warranty of up to 10 years, depending on the type of work.

This page explains what our warranty covers, what it doesn't, and the seasonal care that helps keep your installation in great shape. Some maintenance requirements may also be conditions of warranty coverage where specified in your contract. Only the sections that match the work in your contract apply to your project.

1. What Your Warranty Covers

Different parts of your project are protected in different ways. Knowing which one applies helps us resolve your claim faster.

The exact warranty periods, coverage, and exclusions for your project are listed in your contract with Oaks Home Services. If anything on this page differs from your contract, the contract takes priority.

2. Caring for Your Outdoor Space

Toronto's climate is tough on outdoor installations. Freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, heavy snow, summer heat, and UV exposure all take their toll. The maintenance steps below help protect your installation and prevent avoidable damage. Some maintenance requirements may also be conditions of warranty coverage where specified in your contract.

Certain types of damage, particularly freeze damage to pools, spas, and water features, may not be covered if required seasonal maintenance or winterization was not completed.

Tip: Whenever you hire a professional for required seasonal work, such as a pool closing or spa winterization, keep the invoice. It serves as proof that the maintenance was done.

2.1 Interlocking, Natural Stone & Hardscaping

Interlocking driveways, patios, walkways, and steps

• Sweep regularly and wash once or twice a year with a low-pressure setting. Keep the nozzle at an angle so you don't wash polymeric sand out of the joints.
• Top up joint sand if you notice gaps. Open joints let weeds, ants, and water in and can lead to shifting pavers.
• A white, powdery film called efflorescence may appear during the first months. It is a natural process in concrete pavers, not a defect, and usually fades on its own.
• Allow new interlock to weather before sealing. Depending on the paver and sealer manufacturer, this may mean waiting several months or up to about a year. Follow the product manufacturer's recommendations for initial sealing and resealing intervals.
• Avoid rock salt, especially during the first winter. Use sand or a paver-safe de-icer instead, and use plastic shovels or rubber-edged plow blades.

Natural stone and flagstone

• Wash once a year with low pressure (under 2,000 PSI) and a mild, stone-safe cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners, which can etch the surface.
• Follow the stone and sealer manufacturer's recommendations before sealing natural stone. Some installations benefit from a waiting period before the first application. Ask us which sealer and timing are appropriate for your specific stone.

Retaining walls

• Keep drainage outlets and weep holes clear of soil, mulch, and debris.
• Don't add extra soil, heavy structures, pools, or vehicles above or behind the wall unless the wall was designed for that load.
• Avoid planting large trees right next to the wall, as roots can push against the blocks over time.
• Make sure downspouts and grading direct water away from the wall, not behind it.

Concrete

• Wash once a year with a pressure washer (around 2,000 PSI).
• Before sealing new concrete, allow it to cure fully and follow the sealer manufacturer's recommended waiting period. Sealing can help reduce staining and surface damage. For projects completed by Oaks Home Services, contact us before the first sealing if you're unsure about timing.
• Avoid de-icing salt during the first winter after installation.

Asphalt

• Seal your driveway about every 2 years to protect it from water, oil, and UV damage.
• Avoid leaving heavy, stationary items such as trailers, jacks, or large planters on asphalt, especially in summer heat. Indentations caused this way are not covered by the warranty.
• Keep grass trimmed along the edges so the borders stay clean and defined.

Heated driveways and walkways

• Inspect the system and its components once a year, ideally before winter.
• Turn the system off for the warm season.
• For hydronic (glycol) systems, check that the fluid level in the boiler is correct.
• For electric systems, keep the snow and temperature sensor clean and unobstructed.
• Don't use metal shovel blades, chisels, or ice picks that could damage the surface or the heating elements below.

2.2 Decks, Fences, Railings & Wood Structures

Decks

• Wash once a year with a low-pressure setting and a deck cleaner. Remove leaves, planter residue, and debris that trap moisture.
• Pressure-treated wood needs time to dry before staining. Depending on the lumber and conditions, this can take several months. Sprinkle a few drops of water on the boards: if the water soaks in rather than beads on the surface, the wood is generally ready for finishing.
• Cedar can be stained or sealed sooner. Ask us about the right timing for your product.
• Re-stain or reseal every 2–3 years, depending on sun exposure and wear.
• Composite decking doesn't need staining. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid metal shovels in winter.
• Place pads under planters and furniture, and never put a fire pit directly on wood or composite boards.

Fences

• Keep soil, mulch, and snowbanks away from the bottom boards and posts to reduce rot.
• Don't hang heavy items on fence panels or let vines take over the structure.
• Stain or seal wood fences on the same schedule as decks.

Railings

• Clean aluminum and metal railings once a year with mild soap and water.
• Clean glass panels anytime with a regular glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive pads.

Pergolas and gazebos

• Clear heavy snow from roofs and slats to prevent excessive snow load.
• Follow the manufacturer's winter-position and snow-load instructions for adjustable louvres. Where the manufacturer requires louvres to remain open during winter, leaving them closed under snow load may cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.
• Clean eavestroughs and downspouts every fall and clear ice buildup promptly.

2.3 Sod, Plants & Artificial Turf

Plants and sod are living materials. Their survival depends heavily on care in the first weeks and seasons after installation.

New sod

• Water daily for the first 2 weeks, enough to soak the soil beneath the sod, not just the surface. Early morning is best.
• Keep foot traffic to a minimum for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Mow for the first time once the roots have taken hold (the sod shouldn't lift when you gently pull a corner). Never cut more than one-third of the blade height at once.

Trees, shrubs, and perennials

• Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season, especially in hot, dry weeks.
• Keep a 5–8 cm layer of mulch around plants, but don't pile it against trunks or stems.
• Wrap young evergreens, cedars, boxwoods, and Japanese maples in burlap before winter to protect them from wind and salt spray.
• Cut back ornamental grasses and remove dead growth from perennials in late fall or early spring.
• Keep road salt and snow piles away from plant beds.

Artificial turf

• Remove leaves and debris regularly with a leaf blower or a stiff plastic rake.
• Rinse with a hose occasionally, and clean up pet waste promptly with water and a turf-safe cleaner.
• Brush the fibres against the grain a few times a year to keep them upright.
• Keep fire pits, barbecues, fireworks, and cigarettes away from the turf. Heat damage, including melting caused by reflected sunlight from windows, is not covered by the warranty.
• Use a plastic shovel for snow and never use metal tools on the surface.

2.4 Pools, Hot Tubs & Water Features

Pools, spas, and water features must be professionally closed before winter and opened in spring. Water left in lines or equipment will freeze, expand, and crack pipes and components. Freeze damage caused by improper winterization is not covered by the warranty.

Swimming pools

Have your pool professionally closed every fall and opened every spring. During closing, your pool professional should winterize the pool, plumbing, and equipment according to the pool system and manufacturers' instructions. This typically includes:

• Adjusting the water level as appropriate for the pool, cover, and winterization system.
• Protecting plumbing lines from freezing using the appropriate winterization method for the system.
• Protecting and securing plumbing openings so water cannot re-enter where required.
• Winterize the pump, filter, heater, and salt cell according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Shut off the equipment at the breaker.

During the swim season:

• Keep the water level at about the middle of the skimmer opening for proper circulation.
• Maintain balanced water chemistry. Staining, scaling, or liner damage caused by unbalanced water is not covered.

Pool interlocking and coping

• Rinse coping and the surrounding pool deck regularly, especially around saltwater pools, as salt residue can wear down stone and pavers over time.
• Seal the pool deck on the same schedule as other interlock or natural stone surfaces.
• Keep pool chemicals off the stone during storage and handling.

Hot tubs and swim spas

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, water care, and filter cleaning.
• Keep the spa running through winter, or have it professionally drained, blown out, and winterized if it will be shut down.
• Keep the cover on whenever the spa is not in use, and clear heavy snow from it.
• Make sure the area around the spa drains properly so water doesn't pool under it.

Water features

• Shut off, drain, and winterize water features before the first frost. Remove the pump and store it indoors.
• Cover openings so water and snow can't get into the lines.
• Ponds that overwinter fish need sufficient depth and appropriate winter aeration or de-icing for the pond design and fish species. Ask your pond professional about the winterization requirements for your system.
• Clean stainless steel elements each spring with a stainless steel cleaner to prevent surface rust.

Pool safety

• Keep pool gates closed and locked when the pool is not in use, as required by your municipality's pool enclosure bylaw.

2.5 Outdoor Saunas

• Leave the door and vents open after each use so the interior can dry completely.
• Don't paint, stain, or seal interior wood. It needs to breathe and can release fumes when heated if treated.
• Treat exterior wood with a suitable finish every 1–2 years.
• Clean benches regularly and use towels to protect the wood from sweat stains.
• Service the heater according to the manufacturer's instructions and keep the stones in good condition.
• Clear heavy snow from the roof in winter.

2.6 Outdoor Kitchens, Fire Features & Lighting

Outdoor kitchens

• Clean countertops regularly and wipe up oils, wine, and food spills promptly to prevent staining.
• Reseal stone countertops about every 2–3 years.
• Before winter, clean all appliances and grease trays, unplug and empty fridges, drain water lines, and cover each appliance.

Fireplaces and fire pits

• Know where your gas shut-off valve is located.
• Keep fire features covered when not in use. Water that gets into gas burners and nozzles can freeze and cause damage that is not covered by the warranty.
• Keep furniture, cushions, and other combustible materials at a safe distance, as specified by the manufacturer.
• For wood-burning units, burn only clean, dry, untreated wood and clean the chimney once a year.

Landscape lighting

• Keep fixtures clear of mulch, soil, plants, and snow.
• Replace bulbs only with the type and wattage recommended for the fixture.
• Check timers and settings after power outages and when clocks change.
• Keep the transformer accessible, and don't dig near lighting cable routes without confirming their location.

3. What the Warranty Does Not Cover

Our warranty covers defects in workmanship. It doesn't cover damage caused by neglect, misuse, nature, or normal aging. Common exclusions include:

• Missed maintenance: damage resulting from skipped seasonal care or improper winterization, including freeze damage to pool lines, pool equipment, spas, and water features.
• Improper use: indentations in asphalt from heavy objects, heat damage to artificial turf, snow damage to pergolas with closed louvres, water damage to uncovered fire features, and overloading of retaining walls or decks.
• Natural processes and cosmetic changes: efflorescence, colour variation, natural fading, and staining from leaves, trees, food, oil, rust, or animals.
• De-icing damage: surface scaling or spalling caused by rock salt or harsh de-icing chemicals.
• Pool water chemistry: staining, scaling, or liner damage caused by unbalanced water.
• Outside causes: severe weather, flooding, ground movement, tree roots, pests, and work done by other contractors after our installation.
• Normal wear: minor settling or movement that results from normal aging and does not constitute a defect in workmanship, as well as gradual weathering.

Please refer to your contract for the exclusions that apply to your specific project.

4. How We Handle a Claim

When a warranty issue is reported, our team reviews it and, where needed, visits your property for an inspection. If the issue is covered, we will determine the appropriate warranty remedy in accordance with the terms of your contract.

Keep in mind that a repaired area may not match the surrounding surface exactly. Weather exposure, natural aging, and differences between production batches can change the appearance of the original material over time.

5. How to Submit a Warranty Claim

1. Fill out the form at the top of this page with your contact details, project address, and a description of the issue.
2. Attach photos or videos that show the problem clearly. This helps us assess it faster.
3. Our team will contact you to ask any follow-up questions and schedule an inspection if needed.

You can also reach us directly:

• Phone: (647) 619-4977
• Email: oakshomeservices@gmail.com
• Office: 2015 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2J 1W6

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Oaks Home Services warranty?

We offer a written labour warranty of up to 10 years, depending on the type of work. Materials are covered by their manufacturers' warranties, and plants and sod are covered as described in your contract. Your contract lists the exact warranty period for your project.

Do I really need to follow the maintenance guidelines to keep my warranty?

Yes. Some items, such as pools, pool equipment, hot tubs, and water features, must be properly winterized every year. Damage caused by skipped maintenance or freezing is not covered, and we may ask for proof that the work was done.

When can I seal my new interlock, concrete, or deck?

Timing depends on the material, product, site conditions, and manufacturer's recommendations. New interlock may need several months or up to about a year before sealing. Concrete should be fully cured and sealed according to the sealer manufacturer's recommended timing. Pressure-treated wood should be allowed to dry sufficiently before staining; a simple water-drop test can help indicate when it is ready. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll advise you.

Is efflorescence on my new pavers a defect?

No. Efflorescence is a natural white deposit that appears on many concrete products. It isn't a structural issue and usually fades over time with normal weathering and cleaning.

Can I use salt on my new driveway or patio?

We recommend avoiding rock salt, especially during the first winter. Use sand or a paver-safe de-icer instead. Damage caused by de-icing salt is not covered by the warranty.

Will a repair match the rest of my installation?

We do our best to match every repair, but weather exposure and batch differences can change how the original material looks over time, so an exact match isn't always possible.

7. Your Rights Under Ontario Law

The maintenance requirements and warranty conditions on this page apply to the contractual warranty provided by Oaks Home Services. Nothing on this page is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable Ontario or Canadian law. Your project contract sets out the specific terms of the Oaks Home Services warranty.

This page is a general guide to maintenance and warranty conditions for Oaks Home Services projects. The warranty periods, coverage, and exclusions for your project are set out in your contract. If there is any inconsistency between this page and your contract, the contract governs.