Every Action Home Services project is backed by one of the strongest workmanship guarantees in the industry — a 10-year written labour warranty. As a fully licensed, insured, and WSIB-compliant contractor and a proud member of Landscape Ontario, we stand behind the quality of our work on every one of the 6,000+ projects we have completed across Toronto and the GTA.
Below you’ll find what your warranty covers and the simple seasonal care that keeps it valid. Not every section will apply to your project — only the items included in your scope of work apply to you.
1. How Our Warranty Works
A clear warranty separates three different kinds of protection. Knowing which applies to a given issue helps us resolve your claim quickly and fairly.
| Type of coverage |
What it protects |
Who is responsible |
| Workmanship / Labour |
How your project was built and installed — base preparation, grading, structural assembly, and finish quality. |
Action Home Services, under your written labour warranty. |
| Materials |
Manufactured products such as pavers, stone, sealers, decking, coping, equipment, and fixtures. |
The product manufacturer, under their own warranty terms; AHS helps you coordinate claims. |
| Performance / Living material |
Plants, sod, and other living material that must establish and be maintained seasonally. |
Shared — coverage depends on proper homeowner care as described on this page. |
The specific warranty periods, coverage, and exclusions for your project are set out in your service agreement with AHS. Where this guide and your service agreement differ, your service agreement governs.
2. Your Maintenance Responsibilities
Outdoor installations live in a harsh climate of freeze-thaw cycles, UV, moisture, and ground movement. The care steps below are what keep your installation looking the way we built it and keep your warranty in good standing. Skipping required seasonal maintenance — especially winterization — is the most common reason a warranty claim is denied.
Tip: When you hire a professional for required winterization (pools, irrigation, bathrooms, equipment), keep the receipt. It is your proof that the work was done.
2.1 Hardscaping, Paving & Stone
Interlock & Polymeric Sand
- Clean your interlock twice per year with a low-power pressure washer to keep it free of debris. Be careful not to wash the polymeric sand out of the joints.
- Interlock can stain from trees, leaves, food, oils, animals, rust, and similar sources. Staining cannot be fully prevented, but proper care minimizes and delays it.
- Do not seal during the first year — sealing too early can lock in efflorescence (a natural white surface deposit common to interlock). Once sealed, reseal every 1–2 years.
Asphalt
- Seal your asphalt every 2 years to extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance.
- Heavy planters and objects left on asphalt will imprint and cause the surface to sink over time. This type of damage is not covered by warranty.
- Trim the grass along the edge of your asphalt every 2 weeks to keep edges clean and clear.
Concrete
- Wash your concrete once a year with a 2,000 PSI pressure washer.
- You may seal your concrete after 6 months from installation to reduce staining.
Flagstone
- Wash once per year with a low-power pressure washer under 2,000 PSI to keep it clean and clear of debris.
- Do not seal flagstone for the first 2 years — sealing too early can lock in calcium deposits.
Sports Courts
- Keep your court clear of debris.
- Wash once a year with a low-pressure power washer to remove anything stuck to the surface.
2.2 Decks, Wood Structures & Railings
Decks
- Wash once a year with a low-PSI pressure washer to keep it clean and free of debris.
- If you wish to stain your deck, do so every 2 years. Only stain a new deck after at least 6 months from installation.
All Wood Structures
- Do not seal pressure-treated wood for at least 1.5 years, allowing the treatment chemicals time to fully release.
- Cedar and Douglas fir can be sealed right away.
- Clear snow near doorways so meltwater does not flow under the door and into the structure.
- Clear ice from eavestroughs and downspouts to prevent water damage and injury from falling ice.
Railings
- Clean once a year with a low-pressure power wash. Glass panels can be cleaned anytime with standard glass cleaner.
Pergolas with Louvres
- Louvres must be left open during winter to prevent excessive snow load. Damage caused by closed louvres in winter is not covered by warranty.
Structures with Flat Roof or Eavestrough
- Clear leaves yearly. Clear ice promptly so it does not pull down the eavestrough.
- Clean leaves from your downspout filter if your structure has one.
Snow Load on Roof
- Clear excessive snow from your roof to avoid snow load and ice issues on the structure.
2.3 Planting & Greenery
Plants are living material and require seasonal care to thrive. Follow the guidelines that match your plant types.
- Evergreens & Trees: Cover with burlap each winter to protect from cold and wind damage.
- Ornamental Grasses: Cut back and remove dead growth before winter.
- Perennials: Dead-head and remove dead material before winter. Do not leave dead material over winter — it looks worse in spring and can rot.
- Shrubs: Dead-head and lightly trim before winter so snow does not cause damage. Otherwise leave them to rest and clean up in spring.
- Medium Trees: Clear dead leaves before winter and apply a fresh layer of mulch to protect roots from winter frost.
- Japanese Maples: If planted within the past 5 years, wrap them for winter to protect from frost.
- Cedar & Boxwood: Remove dead material from inside the plant (a blower works well), then wrap them for winter.
2.4 Pools, Spas & Water Features
Pools, pool equipment, water features, hot tubs, and bathrooms must be professionally closed before winter and opened before summer. Leftover water that freezes will crack lines and equipment — and improper winterization voids the related warranty. Keep your professional’s receipt as proof.
Pools
Each season, have your pool professionally closed before winter and opened before summer. At a minimum, your professional must:
- Drain the water to just below all the jets.
- Drain all lines and fill them with antifreeze.
- Cap all lines so water cannot get inside.
Throughout the swim season, keep the water level halfway up the skimmer to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
Pool Equipment
Have a professional company winterize your pool equipment each season. Without proof of professional winterization, manufacturer warranties on equipment may be voided. At a minimum, your technician must:
- Drain all water from the lines in and around the equipment.
- Drain the filter, remove the cartridge, close the filter, and store the cartridge outside the filter.
- Drain all water from the heater.
- Drain the pump and add antifreeze.
- Drain the salt cell, remove it entirely, and store it inside your home.
- Drain the auto water filler and its lines (if applicable) and add antifreeze.
- Turn off all equipment for winter using the proper breakers.
Failure to follow these guidelines will void the warranty on the affected pool equipment.
Pool Liner
- Maintain proper water chemistry. Poor chemistry can stain the liner, and staining is not covered by warranty.
Water Features
- Water features cannot be used in winter and must be winterized before freezing temperatures arrive, then covered so water cannot enter and freeze the lines. Uncovered inlets/outlets causing freeze damage are not covered by warranty.
- To winterize: remove all water, pour antifreeze into remaining lines, cap or cover the lines, and remove the pump to store indoors. Keep features off until spring.
- Ponds with fish overwintering outside need at least 3 feet of water depth so fish can hibernate safely.
- Wipe down stainless steel features and treat with a stainless steel spray each spring to reduce rust and oxidation.
Hot Tubs
- Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use and care.
- Keep the hot tub running through winter to prevent the lines from freezing.
- Clean the filter per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- If closing for winter, drain all lines, blow them out, and fill with antifreeze.
- Always cover the spa when not in use; install it above grade or with adequate drainage so it cannot flood.
Autocovers & Winter Safety Covers
Autocovers: clean the basin and remove leaves regularly; turn the cover off, closed, and rolled up for winter; remove the water pump; ensure the cover is dry before rolling; and clear debris or ice from the liner track before opening.
Winter safety covers: loosen the pegs so they lift slightly but cannot fall out; install professionally; avoid walking on the cover; and ensure it is dry before rolling up.
Pool Enclosure
- Keep gates locked when the backyard is not in use, as required by local bylaws.
Outdoor Showers
- Blow out the lines each fall so no water remains, and the pipes cannot freeze and crack.
- Drain any hot water tanks and fill with antifreeze.
2.5 Mechanical & Water Systems
Irrigation & Water Lines
- Have lines professionally blown out in the fall. Turn off the water and cap all lines.
- Failure to properly winterize irrigation and water lines will void the warranty on these items.
Heated Walkways & Driveways
- Inspect all components once a year for signs of wear or damage.
- Turn the system off in summer.
- Glycol systems: ensure the liquid level in the boiler is sufficient.
- Electrical systems: keep the outdoor sensor clear and unobstructed.
Sump Pumps, Catch Basins & Linear Drains
- Clean out twice a year to remove leaves and debris, so they keep operating properly.
2.6 Outdoor Living & Fire Features
Outdoor Kitchens & Countertops
- Watch for stains from trees, leaves, food, animals, rust, and oils.
- Seal your countertop every 3 years; wash the kitchen yearly with a pressure washer.
- Before winter, for appliances: clean them, clean the grease tray, unplug fridges, blow out water lines, and install a cover for each appliance.
Fire Features
- Use with care due to the risk of injury, and know where your shutoff valve is located.
- Cover fire features when not in use, in every season. Water entering the nozzles causes freeze damage in winter, which is not covered by warranty. Metal covers, tarps, or plastic covers all work.
Wood-Burning Fireplaces & Appliances
- Clean the chimney pipe once per year, as required by local bylaws.
- Keep flammable materials at least 1 metre from burning zones, or beyond the manufacturer’s minimum clearance — whichever is greater.
- Burn only clean, untreated wood.
2.7 Interiors & Enclosed Structures
Bathrooms
Bathrooms must be professionally winterized each winter (keep your receipt). Otherwise, leftover water can freeze and damage fixtures, voiding coverage on the affected amenities and pipes. Your technician must empty water from — and add antifreeze where appropriate to — the shower, toilet, faucet, and vanity; sewage injector; water lines; and hot water tank.
Interior Finishes
- Painted Walls: dust once a year to keep them clean.
- Tiles: clean as you would a regular bathroom.
- Cabinetry & Sinks: clean as you would in a regular kitchen.
- Fireplaces: clean as you would inside your home.
- Heating / AC: check once a year for visible damage.
- Filters: clean and replace as needed, typically every 6 months depending on the unit.
Walkout Basements
- Keep clear of debris, especially in the fall when leaves drop.
- Keep the catch basin clear and clean it every 3 months for proper flow.
- Keep stairs clear of debris, ice, and snow so they stay safe to walk on.
3. What Is Not Covered
Like all reputable contractors, our warranty covers defects in workmanship — not damage caused by neglect, misuse, the natural environment, or normal aging. The following are common exclusions. Refer to your service agreement for the exclusions specific to your project.
- Missed maintenance: damage resulting from skipped seasonal care or improper winterization, including freeze damage to pool lines, equipment, water features, irrigation, outdoor showers, and bathroom fixtures.
- Improper use: heavy planters or objects imprinting and sinking asphalt; closed pergola louvres collapsing under snow load; uncovered fire features taking on water.
- Cosmetic & natural processes: efflorescence on interlock, calcium deposits on flagstone, and staining from trees, leaves, food, oils, animals, or rust — these are natural and cannot be fully prevented.
- Pool liner staining: caused by failure to maintain proper water chemistry.
- Acts of nature & third parties: damage from severe weather, ground movement, pests, or work performed by others after installation.
- Normal wear: expected fading, weathering, and minor settling within industry tolerances — distinct from a true defect.
4. How a Claim Is Handled
If a valid issue arises, AHS will inspect it and, at our discretion, repair or replace the affected work. Please note that a repaired or replaced area may not match the surrounding material exactly, as weather exposure and product batch variation can change the appearance of the original installation over time.
5. How to Activate Your Warranty
If you believe you have a warranty issue, submit a claim through our website. A customer service representative will reach out with any additional questions and to schedule a follow-up. Where possible, include photos or videos of the issue to help us assess it quickly.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my warranty?
AHS provides a 10-year written labour (workmanship) warranty. Materials are covered under their manufacturers’ terms, and living material such as plants is covered as set out in your service agreement. Your agreement lists the exact periods for your project.
Will required maintenance really affect my coverage?
Yes. Several items — pools, pool equipment, irrigation, water features, outdoor showers, and bathrooms — must be professionally winterized each year, and proof (a receipt) may be required. Freeze damage from skipped winterization is not covered.
Can I seal my new interlock, concrete, deck, or flagstone right away?
No — timing matters. Do not seal interlock in the first year, flagstone for the first 2 years, or pressure-treated wood for at least 1.5 years. Concrete can be sealed after 6 months, and a new deck after at least 6 months.
Is staining covered?
Surface staining from trees, leaves, food, oils, animals, and rust — and natural deposits like efflorescence — cannot be fully prevented and are not considered defects. Regular cleaning minimizes and delays them.
What if my repair doesn’t perfectly match the original?
We do everything we can to match, but weather exposure and product batch variation can shift the appearance of existing material over time, so a repair may not match exactly.
7. Your Statutory Rights
The maintenance requirements and warranty conditions described on this page apply to AHS’s contractual warranties. Nothing in this document excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights or statutory warranties that cannot be excluded under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002, the Sale of Goods Act (Ontario), or other applicable law. Your statutory rights as a consumer remain unaffected. This warranty is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada.
This document summarizes maintenance requirements and warranty conditions for your AHS installation. Specific warranty periods, coverage, and exclusions for your project are set out in your service agreement with AHS. In the event of any inconsistency between this document and your service agreement, the service agreement governs.
