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6 Home, Lawn & Garden, Tuesday, July 12, 2011 ! g a J g a W e h T Do Maintain your home to maintain your warranty To protect the warranty that you are entitled to as the owner of a newly built home in Ontario, routine upkeep is essential. Improper maintenance, or just plain neglect, can result in damages that your warranty won't cover. While there are many items in an ongoing maintenance program, one of the most important is moisture control. Special care is required to maintain modern energy­efficient homes which are tightly constructed to keep out cold weather in the winter and keep cool air in during the summer. Proper ventilation is critical for preventing excess moisture from building up inside your home and causing damage that may not be covered by the statutory warranty. Using bathroom and kitchen range fans as well as your home's ventilation system will help control moisture levels. In addition to indoor humidity, weather­related water penetration or leaking pipes can have serious consequences if not properly controlled or immediately cleaned up. Regardless of where it occurs, moisture damage can lead to serious problems, such as rot and even structural failure in extreme cases. Tarion Warranty Corporation, the non­ profit, private corporation established in 1976 to protect new home buyers according to the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act, suggests the following tips to help prevent moisture damage: Outside the home · Fix the caulking around windows and doors and on the roof if it becomes cracked or separated. · Keep flowerbeds and landscaping at least six inches or 150 mm away from the top of the foundation. Placing soil near or above the top of the foundation allows moisture to come into direct contact with the structure of the home. · Clear eavestroughs of debris regularly and extend downspouts so that water is directed away from your home. Water that flows around the foundation could eventually find its way into the basement. · Have your roof inspected regularly to ensure shingles, flashing and chimney caps are in place and sealed properly. Inside the home · In the summer, dehumidify the basement to avoid condensation buildup on the cool foundation walls. · Repair leaky pipes and fixtures immediately. Clean and completely dry any areas that are dampened or wet within 48 hours. · Investigate and identify any musty smells and odours. They are often an indicator that there is a hidden moisture problem. · Purchase a "hygrometer" to monitor the relative humidity in your home. A more detailed Home Maintenance Checklist can be found online at www.tarion.com. If you have any questions about your warranty, contact Tarion at 1­877­ 982­7466. To start managing your warranty online you can register for MyHome at www. tarion.com. --www.newscanada.com www.wagjag.com Buy together and we all win! D I R E C T O R Y AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE · Air Conditioning · Pool Heaters · Gas Piping for BBQ's APPLIANCES We Sell APPLIANCES Plus PARTS & SERVICE Showroom located at Water Softeners, Coolers, 55 Sinclair Ave., Unit 2 R.O.s, U.V.s Georgetown FEATURES/SPECIALS LAWN & GARDEN Lawnmower & Tractor Sales & Service Pre Season Repair & Warranty for: · Husqvarna · Yard Works · MTD · Murray · Toro · Briggs BLADE & CHAIN SHARPENING Pick Up & Delivery Available 905-877-0157 EQUIPMENT SALES SERVICE RENT-ALL INC. 334 Guelph St., Georgetown Call 905-702-1182 POOLS LOCAL DEALS Ask me about... MOVERS & SHAKERS SEPTIC ED PEAVOY SEPTIC PUMPING SPECIAL FEATURES Look on Page Look Page 7 7 of today's todays of 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE PUMPING OF ·HOLDING TANKS ·SEPTIC TANKS ·AROBIC TANKS Lic. by the M.O.E. FREE to see deals online www.wagjag.com Call Amy Sykes for Q's 905-873-0301 x237 LEADER TO GET MOVIN' REAL ESTATE · Construction of inground swimming pools · Backyard designs www.poolguys.ca 905.873.9444 Georgetown, ON Pump and Servicing Pressure Line Flushing 519-833-9180 Toll free 1-877-232-0229 P.O. BOX 709, ERIN, ON For advertising Information please call Amy Sykes 905-873-0301 ext. 237