How to prevent home damage this summer

Finally! Some sun! Yes, summer is finally here and the smell of fresh cut grass is in the air. We are just as happy as you are!

However, we want you to stay that way for as long as possible. That's why we've put together a list of things to do so that you can relax all summer long and enjoy your backyard peacefully.

1. HEATING

Whether you heat with hot water, heating oil, or electricity, have a qualified technician flush your radiators, and check and replace them if necessary. The plumber will be able to check all the purges and replace any defective valves, if necessary, in order to avoid any possible leaks.

Check your heating oil tank. A leak of just one litre of heating oil can contaminate a million litres of drinking water. Here are some signs that something is wrong:

• The presence of humidity and seepage at the base of the tank;
• The presence of persistent heating oil odours coming from the tank;
• The presence of corrosion at the base of the tank;
• The presence of corrosion on the heating oil supply line. If there is corrosion, call a technician to replace it. The technician will then install a double-walled duct that is less likely to rust.

According to several service companies, an oil tank should be replaced after 10 years if it is located outdoors and after 20-25 years if it is located indoors. In addition, do not leave the tank empty during the summer to avoid additional humidity and corrosion problems.

2. AIR EXCHANGER

This prevention tip is so easy to do! All you have to do is clean the filters on your air exchanger. In fact, it is very important to do this every two to three months. Each change of season therefore calls for an air exchanger cleaning!

3. YARD

Correct the slopes of the ground around the foundation to keep rainwater away. If you notice a drop that gives a slope towards the house, correct it while creating a slope in the other direction. If in doubt, contact an expert.

4. DRIVEWAY

Make sure the sidewalks, patio, and driveway do not direct rainwater towards the house.

5. DOWNSPOUTS

Disconnect any downspout that is directly connected to a drain and redirect the water so it flows out at least six feet away from the foundation.

6. CHIMNEY

Have the chimney or stove pipe swept. In addition to the debris that may be found, sweeping is necessary to reduce the risk of fire and toxic fumes. Poor maintenance of a chimney is often the cause of fires or carbon monoxide buildup. 

You are now ready to safely enjoy the summer. Make sure to repeat these steps every year so that you always have peace of mind.