Clear Snow from Vents

Keep an eye on outdoor vents, gas meters and chimneys for ice or snow buildup. Abnormal snow and ice build-up may block gas appliance exhaust and combustion air vents (especially those side wall vents exiting close to ground level) causing ...

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Snow on the Roof...Take Care

A certain amount of snow accumulation on your roof is normal. However, if there is an excessive accumulation on the roof of your home, particularly if the snow is wet, there is a possibility of damage to the structure of the property.&nb...

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Exterior Check Up

Do a quick check of your roofing shingles.  Repairs are more easily completed when the shingles are still soft and pliable in the early fall.  While you’re looking at the roof, check the flashings around the chimney and plum...

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Avoiding Power Outages

As we move into storm season, we are concerned with potential power outages. In Canada a loss of power can be serious in freezing temperatures. The heavy overhead power lines coming into our homes carry enough power to run and heat the...

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Garage Door Maintenance

A good rule of thumb is to inspect and maintain your garage doors once a year. Look for signs of wear or broken parts. If you notice broken parts, consider hiring a qualified service technician since many of the components are under high te...

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Fall Heating Check

This is the time of the year when people start thinking about ways to heat their homes more efficiently. If your heating equipment is over 20 years old, consider upgrading it. New equipment is much more efficient than the older versions....

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Spring Home Maintenance Tip for your Roof

Inspect for wind, snow, or ice damage. Check to see that the roof shingles are secure, tightly fastened and in good condition. If any of the shingles are loose, repair with asphalt roofing cement. If they are damaged or missing, replacement...

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Spring Tips for Your Deck

Check that they are securely attached to the house and are level. Check that the support posts under the decks are plumb. Over the winter months the wood and supporting beams may have deteriorated. Check for rotten boards and replace as r...

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Battling Mosquitoes

Now that the warm weather has arrived – we want to be outside enjoying it! However, mosquitoes can send us running back inside. Mosquitoes breed in standing or stagnant water by laying their eggs on the surface of the water. There are...

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With Summer Come the Ants

Ants can cause extensive damage to a home causing thousands of dollars in repairs. Now is the time to walk around the exterior and interior of your home to check for ants and/or ant filings. Ant filings look like very fine sawdust in smal...

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Don't Fall Behind, Be Ready for Winter!

When you are outside cleaning your eavestroughs it is also a good time to take a quick look at any trees on your property. Look to see if any limbs are brushing up against your house or are in contact / close proximity with your power or ...

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Ice Dams

Ice dams on the exterior surface of the roof can be a problem, particularly for low-sloped roofs with an overhang. This is the result of snow accumulation on the roof and is more common on poorly insulated homes. After a snowfall, heat es...

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Spring Yard Check-Up

As you take your first few tentative steps out into the yard searching for crocus and early daffodil shoots, now is also a good time to inspect the exterior of the house as well. While the early spring flowers and plants may well be poking ...

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