Fall is here!  It's time to batten down the hatches.  Winter will be here before we know it.  It has been a very hot dry summer and now that we have reached the fall it seems to rain every day.

There are many things that need to be looked at this time of year:

Caulking around windows and doors must be checked.  Any cracks will allow moisture in which will cause damage over time.  Cracks also allow drafts to enter the building envelope.

Visual inspection of your home is vital this time of year.  Look at your roof for any shingles that may have blown off (you may have to go across the street to see your roof; binoculars will help).  Make sure water is flowing away from your home (especially at down spouts).  Clean areas in window wells that will allow water to drain from heavy rains and melting snow.

Also anything that looks suspicious, must be taken care of.  These items will always cost less to fix the earlier they are found.  These problems will not take care of themselves and when you are forced to fix them later, further damage will likely have occurred.

It is time to shut off your water taps from the basement, so they don't freeze in the winter.   Taking your hoses in for the winter will extend their life.

Insider`s Tip

Drafts create more problems than the obvious heat loss issues.  During the height of winter cold air entering the building envelope will condensate when it reaches the warmer inside air and create moisture.  Over time this moisture can damage wood framing, windows, doors or subflooring. 

To prevent drafts, consider having a professional re-caulk your windows.  It has always been my belief that quality caulking is well worth its cost, and to have the job done professionally is also worth the cost.  These contractors are trained to make clean lines without getting material on brick or windows.  They also have professional caulking guns which create a much larger bead than you can get from a tube of caulk that you buy at the local hardware store.

If you have questions, or would like the name of a contractor, call Pat at 905-334-4935.