I inspected houses around Calgary until I retired. Weather here does specific things to a house, and most of the damage I found was slow and preventable. This guide goes season by season, system by system.
Most homeowners never see their weeping tile, but this hidden system is the first line of defense against a wet basement. I'll walk you through how it works and what to watch for.
Most people think of raking leaves as just keeping the lawn tidy. But it’s a key part of protecting your foundation from the coming freeze and thaw cycle we see every year in Southern Alberta.
That persistent chill you feel near a window isn't just in your head. I'll walk you through some straightforward ways to find and fix those drafts before the deep cold sets in.
I've seen what a burst pipe can do to a basement wall. A little work in the fall saves a lot of trouble later. Here is how to get your hoses and sprinklers ready before the ground freezes solid.
That first heavy, wet snow is coming. A thorough walk around your property, and maybe a trip up a ladder, can spot the small roof problems that become big winter leaks.
I’ve seen how a few hours of work on a crisp autumn day can save a homeowner from major headaches in January.
On a hot Calgary afternoon, a sweltering second floor might mean your attic isn't breathing properly. Here’s a calm look at how to check your vents and what to do about it.
The noise of a big hailstorm is something you don't forget. Once it's quiet again, a calm and methodical approach is the best way to check your property for damage from the ground up.
I spend my summers on my deck, just like everyone else in Calgary. A bit of work in June will make sure it's a safe and relaxing place until the snow flies again. Here is what I look for.
Those summer storms can drop more than just rain and hail. A clogged gutter system can cause real trouble, so it's a job worth doing right and doing safely.
After a big hailstorm, the first step is a calm walk around your house. I’ll walk you through what to look for on your shingles, siding, and eavestroughs to tell the difference between cosmetic and.
You don't want to discover a problem with your A/C on the hottest day of the year. Here are a few straightforward checks you can do yourself to make sure it's ready for a Calgary summer.
I’ve seen more than one wet basement that started with a forgotten window well. It's a simple spring task that protects your foundation from the coming rains.
The spring thaw is more than just a welcome change in weather. It’s when water and shifting soil can reveal hidden problems with your home's concrete base. Here’s a calm walk-through of what to check.
That sigh of relief when a chinook rolls in is a Calgary tradition. But all that melting snow has to go somewhere, and you want to be sure it's not into your basement.
Winter's over, but the water isn't. I've seen what happens when snowmelt and spring rain have nowhere to go. A quick check of your eavestroughs now can save a lot of trouble later.
Before you flip that thermostat switch for good, it's worth spending an afternoon with your furnace. A little bit of cleaning goes a long way toward a reliable winter.
Your sump pump sits quiet all winter, but it's about to get busy. I'll walk you through a simple water test that can save you from a flooded basement when the snow finally goes.
When the temperature drops outside, you might see water, frost, or ice on your windows. I've seen this in countless Calgary homes, and it's usually a sign that your house is holding too much moisture.
That first hard frost can sneak up on us in Calgary. Taking ten minutes to drain your outdoor taps is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to prevent a very expensive spring surprise.
When the temperature drops into the minus thirties, a garage door that won't open is more than an annoyance. A stuck door can trap your car or leave your home insecure.
That warm winter wind is a welcome break, but it's also a stress test for your roof. An ice dam is a sign of heat loss from your attic, and a chinook can make a small problem much worse.
Chinook Home Guide is written by Rob Ferland, a retired home inspector near Calgary. Written near Calgary. No advertising and no paid placements on this guide.
This guide is general information for homeowners. It does not replace an inspection, a licensed trade, or the current rules published by your municipality.