(NC) As a homeowner, you know how important home maintenance is. And the truth is that sometimes the small maintenance actions are the ones that deserve the most attention.
“Being prepared is your best defense against changing weather. That includes addressing key areas around your home such as poor water drainage, ventilation problems and damaged roofing before they turn into major repairs,” said Mel Wright, vice president and head of Intact Insurance’s prevention program. “A quick seasonal walkthrough can help keep your home safer as the weather becomes more extreme.”
Here are three important checks to perform around your home to make sure you’re prepared:
- Water should drain away from your foundation. If water pools around the foundation and doesn’t drain properly, it could lead to cracks over time. This could lead to basement flooding and may even contribute to structural shifting of your home. It’s essential that water drains away from your home. You can install window wells and covers, make sure the grading around your home slopes away and that your downspouts empty two metres or more from your foundation.
- Prepare your attic for cold temperatures. It’s important to verify that your attic is well-insulated and vented this season. When warm air leaks into an under-insulated attic, it creates a cycle of melting and refreezing snow on the roof. These "ice dams" block drainage, damaging roofing materials and eventually cause leakage into the house. Throughout the winter, stay vigilant by clearing heavy snow and watching for signs of frost in the attic.
- Inspect your roof flashing and seals. Any fixture that goes through your roof, such as a chimneys, skylights or vents, relies on a metal or synthetic seal called “flashing” to stay watertight. Even tiny gaps in flashing can lead to major leaks. Perform an annual inspection to patch damaged flashing and replace loose shingles before the fall rains and winter snow arrive.
The best fix for damage to your home is to help prevent it before it can happen. By staying vigilant and on top of drainage, vents and roof sealing, you can rest much easier, no matter what the weather throws at your home. Find more prevention tips at keepitintact.ca.
