Winter home checklist
Today’s new homes are the most maintenance free in history but Ottawa winters can be harsh and so a small amount of attention is still important to maximize efficiency and avoid expensive problems.
Though spring seems to be just around the corner, the effects of winter weather on the home is still a concern for mortgage owners. Rising temperatures and melting ice and snow for many means putting the heavy coats and boots in storage and planning outdoor activities. But what does this weather change mean for the home? This article is a helpful overview of what homeowners should keep in mind when the snow starts to melt.
One of the most important things to be aware of outside the home is the roof. A heavy layer of snow on the roof combined with the rising temperatures during the day can cause "ice damming," a process that causes excess water to collect on the roof and force itself under the shingles, which eventually can penetrate the roof. This can be easily prevented by ensuring that any roof vents are clear of excess snow.
While visually inspecting the roof, it is worthwhile to check a few other areas of the home. The basement windows, for example, should be visible and not covered with snow. If the latter is the case, quickly melting snow or freezing rain can expose these windows to an extreme they were not designed to take on, causing a possible leak.
It is certainly beneficial to keep these few simple measures in mind to prevent possibly costly repairs in the future.