getting started
Protecting your
home
S
by WAYNE SAGE
omeone is going to have to remind me why we live in this inhospitable climate, and it can’t just be the BDI and the Blue Bombers. The climate transitions we go through each year are like no other place on earth and our homes must be designed to function and endure through all these extreme conditions. Luckily, there has been a massive amount of research done (much of it by your provincial and national Home Builders’ Associations) and if operated and maintained properly, your home system is designed to work well through almost all conditions. At this time of year (this year more than most), we receive calls filled with panic and horror that the roof is leaking and water is coming into the kitchen, or that the basement is flooding and water is everywhere. Let’s talk about these two situations and what is likely happening. Your attic space is designed to function as an integral part of your home system and is not just a place to store grandma’s old trunk. Insulation and venting of these areas is critical to your home’s performance. What’s happening this time of year is that poorly vented or improperly sealed off insulated attic spaces have been building up moisture from your home all winter. It then forms as ice on the underside of your roof, and without adequate ventilation to take it away, continues to form all winter. Come spring, this ice begins to melt and like most things, takes the path of least resistance. This moisture usually finds its way onto the kitchen table through all those pot lights which were likely one of the culprits with unsealed vapour barrier. It is commonplace for this to happen As for your basement, water home maintenance is so critical here. Again, a more than adequate system has been designed where excessive ground water finds its way into your perimeter weeping tile and flows into your sump pit and is pumped out somewhere other than your neighbour’s lawn. Simple, but so many maintenance tasks must be done
to ensure that this system works properly. Make sure your sump pump is plugged in and working, that the discharge hose is clear and working and is taking pumped water far enough away from your home‘s foundation. Have you had your drain system cleaned out recently? These can clog and if water cannot get into the system, it will build up against your foundation wall and will yet again, find the easiest path of resistance into your home. Usually, it’s through those snap tie holes the home builder’s labourer forgot to seal because he wanted to go home early on a Friday afternoon. These are just a couple of the issues that can cause major problems. However, they are easy to address and will ensure that your beautiful home stays dry and is protected.
Wayne Sage is the owner and President of Harwood Design Builders, a multi-National and Provincial award-winning Winnipeg Design - Build contracting firm, winning 18 top five placements for best renovations in Canada, including a Best in Canada win.
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RENO + DECOR | JUNE/JULY 2022