The GTA has a way of putting the freeze on you ahead of schedule. Is your home in any fit state to handle it? You may have put up with a musty odour or damp corners and the odd draft, but will the basement be left high and dry once the first hard frost comes through, or is it going to be a wet one?
A homeowner would do well to consider such things. We at United Water Restoration Group of Toronto have been on the scene of our fair share of water, fire and mold damage in homes and businesses throughout the Greater Toronto Area; we know how an oversight in the fall can be made into a costly loss by a Toronto winter. For some tips to forestall trouble, read what follows. And should the need arise, pick up the phone at (647) 370-3979.
There is no better time than fall to get things done. The temperatures are yet mild for outdoor work, though not for long before the cold makes itself felt and all the home’s vulnerabilities are laid bare.
What makes fall prep a necessity in Toronto
Buildings in this city take a pounding in winter. A crack lets in water which the freeze and thaw turns to ice, only to widen the opening. Snow is heaped against the foundation, ice dams put in an appearance on the roof. One does not have to wait until January to see that when problems occur, they come in a rush.
But for the most part you can head off winter water damage. Put in a couple of hours in October or November and it is thousands in repairs and a good deal of stress you will not have to contend with.
Gutters and Roof First
You will find clogged gutters to be a prime source of winter water damage. Leaves and other detritus obstruct the flow and the water will back up and freeze, making its way under the shingles and into the walls.
Before the snow starts, have a look at the following:
- Get the leaves and debris out of the downspouts and gutters
- Downspouts should be channelling water a good distance from the foundation
- Any shingles that are curling, cracked or missing on the roof
- Gaps in and around skylights, vents and chimneys
- Tree branches overhanging the roof should be trimmed
- Poor insulation in the attic is an invitation for ice dams so check it
Pipes need protecting
We field emergency calls for frozen pipes more than anything. The water inside expands as it freezes and the line can burst, putting gallons of water in your home in short order.
While the weather holds, do this:
- Put insulation on any exposed pipes in the garage, crawl space or basement
- Turn off exterior faucets, drain and put away the outdoor hoses
- Close up any cracks and gaps that let the cold air in
- Be sure of the location of the main shutoff valve
- A running tap on the coldest of nights will keep the water in motion
Put a seal on the building envelope
Moisture and the cold will seep in through the smallest of apertures. Seal them up for a drier, warmer home and to deprive mold of the conditions it needs.
Make a tour of the property and see to it that:
- Windows and doors are caulked and weatherstripped
- There are no unsealed cracks in the foundation or about the basement windows
- Crawl space access and vents are in order
- The seal on exhaust fans and dryer vents is intact
Basement and Crawl Space Moisture
Left to their own devices, basements and crawl spaces are where you will find trouble brewing. A sump pump in disrepair is liable to give out when it is least wanted. In those dark, damp places mold is at home.
Test the sump pump prior to winter by adding some water to the pit and make sure it is in working order. Be on the lookout for standing water, condensation or a musty smell. If there is any sign of mold, do not put it off. Our IICRC-certified technicians are available for mold remediation in the GTA.
And if prevention falls short
One cannot ward off every contingency. An ice dam can still compromise a roof, or a pipe give way in the dead of night. In such an event you want us on hand in a hurry.
Our operations manager will be there within the hour of your call; we do same-day inspections and are here 24/7, holidays included. With an A+ BBB rating and as an IICRC Certified Firm, we put your property back to what it was before the loss and work with your insurance. It is all guaranteed to your complete satisfaction.
Call United Water Restoration Group of Toronto at (647) 370-3979 in the event of water, fire or mold damage. Do not let something you could have put right in the fall turn into a disaster this winter.