Around Your Home

• Keep an eye on your eavestrough system this winter. Icicles hanging down from gutters indicate blockages that could contribute to ice damming and expensive roof damage. Make sure gutters are clear of debris and have splits and broken hangers repaired.
• Avoid piling shoveled snow near gas meters and foundation walls. Have ice melter on hand to make driveways and walkways safe for visitors.
• Trees are dormant during the winter months, making it an ideal time to have dead or diseased branches removed.
• Remember to clean or replace the filters on your furnace, humidifier and air cleaner every month during the heating season.
• Use the long winter nights to make a list of repairs and improvements that need to be done around your home. Prioritize the jobs in order of importance and get the ball rolling by getting quotes from contractors now before the spring rush.
• While more humidity is needed to counteract winter dryness in your home, too much can create condensation and result in damage. To keep humidity at the ideal range, set your humidistat below 40 per cent.
• Signs of roof problems often appear in the winter months. Do periodic checks of ceilings for cracks and water stains. Pay particular attention to areas near skylights and chimneys.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club