Old Man Winter is just around the corner, are you Prepared? Review the items below to help prevent undue grief come springtime!

Let's start from the top, how does the roof look? Check for curled, damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Another common problem is ice damning, which can cause extensive concealed damage and leakage if left unchecked. Many Ottawa-area homeowners use ice dam cables to melt the ice and snow along the lower edge of their roofs. A qualified roofing contract will be able to offer solutions to these and other common roof problems. Remember, roof leaks can develop at any time of year, but winter weather is your roof's biggest enemy. Trim Trees away from the house to prevent branches and limbs from damaging the siding and roof covering in windy weather.

Check for missing or loose siding, fascia and soffit, which can become an entry point for pests, and allow rainwater drainage and permit snow and ice to build up at the eaves, which can lead to ice damning.

On that same note, make sure your downspouts extend at least six-feet away from the house. Downspouts that discharge at or near the foundation are one of the leading causes of basement leakage.

Check for cracks between the driveway and/or walkway and the foundation, they can be a source of water entry into your basement.

Cover your outside Air Conditioning unit (compressor) with a piece of plywood or a loose fitting air conditioner cover to help protect the fan blades from rusting, and the housing from accumulating debris.

Walk around the perimeter of your home and make sure the grading slopes away from the building. Areas that slope toward the foundation should be re-graded to help prevent basement leakage.

Do not store firewood against the side of the home. Firewood can hold moisture against the house, which can result in rotting of exterior siding and trim.

Throughout the winter, clear the window wells of accumulated snow to reduce the risk of leakage through basement windows.

Questions or comments? Email laurelharris@allunderoneroof.ca or
homes@annesteinberg.com