​If you haven’t already done so, take off the screens on your windows thus allowing better air circulation to help prevent accumulation of condensation or ice build-up on your windows.
 
Open all window coverings (drapes, blinds, etc.) during the day.  Ceiling fans can help circulate warm air, just ensure the fan is set to rotate clockwise to push warm air off the ceiling.
 
Make sure that your HRV (heat recovery ventilation) systems are cleaned, serviced and running effectively. This is particularly important during the colder months because the newer your home is, the tighter it's built. This mechanical ventilation requires regular cleaning and service so these homes don't develop mould and other condensation issues.
 
You should be running your bathroom fans before you start your shower and allowing them to run for at least 20 minutes after your shower is done. You may want to add a humidistat switch to your bathroom fans that automatically come on when the humidity levels go up.
 
Also run your kitchen exhaust fans when cooking with the same principal in mind, to remove excess moisture from your home. If you are living in a property without a properly installed ventilation system, running the bathroom and kitchen fans becomes even more important.
 
Older homes had more natural ventilation and often did not have bathroom or kitchen fans but as we renovate and upgrade homes with newer windows and doors, these create better seals and increase the chance of trapping moisture in your home. If you are upgrading these items remember to add bathroom and kitchen fans to your scope of work. 

Removing Snow Safely

Looks like some snow is in the forecast for Nova Scotia this week.

Your roof is one of the most important lines of defense between you and the natural elements. It helps keep warm air locked in during the winter months and prevents snow, rain or the cold from penetrating the exterior of your home.

A certain amount of snow accumulation on your roof is normal. However, if there is an excessive accumulation on the roof of your home, particularly if the snow is wet, there is a possibility of damage to the structure of the property. Flat or low sloped roofs usually have a greater risk of damage.
 
Removing the snow from your roof can be a dangerous task. If you are not sure how to safely remove the snow from your roof then do not hesitate to hire a professional to remove the snow for you.  
 
Avoiding Ice Dams

This will be an ideal time to examine your attic for frost accumulation. Look for excessive frost or staining of the wood on the underside of the roof.

Ice dams on the exterior surface of the roof can be a problem, particularly for low-sloped roofs with an overhang. This is the result of snow accumulation on the roof and is more common on poorly insulated homes. After a snowfall, heat escapes from the attic and melts the snow on the roof. The water runs down and encounters the snow on the overhang, which has not melted because there is no attic below it. The water, which meets this snow, will freeze forming a dam at the lower edge of the roof. This moisture can then back up beneath the shingles and result in damage below. A well-insulated and ventilated attic will help reduce this problem; consult a roofing/insulation professional.
 
Clear Snow from Vents

Make sure that all snow, ice and other obstructions are removed from your venting systems during the winter months. 
 
Keep an eye on outdoor vents, gas meters and chimneys for ice or snow buildup. Abnormal snow and ice build-up may block gas appliance exhaust and combustion air vents (especially those side wall vents exiting close to ground level) causing appliance failure as well as possible buildup of Carbon Monoxide.

Do home inspectors walk on the roof? 

The Standards of Practice for home inspection include an examination of the roof and home inspectors will most often climb onto the roof with a ladder provided it is safe to do so but with today’s technology, the method of inspection often uses tools that do not require the inspector to climb onto the roof.  

Some of the reasons a home inspector would not climb onto the roof include the type and condition of the roof covering, the height or pitch of the roof itself and adverse weather conditions.
One of the tools of inspection for many home inspectors is a drone. Drones offer an up-close look at the roof from various angles and can easily take photos for the inspection report. The use of the drone as a tool may be limited by weather conditions or property location - sometimes regulations do not allow drones to be used in certain areas.

A telescopic pole with a camera attached can be raised to roof height and allow the inspector to view the roof from the ground and take photos. Binoculars can also provide a good view of most of the roof from the ground but does not allow the inspector to take pictures. A high-quality camera with a zoom lens allows the inspector to zoom in on the roof and take photos. Sometimes sections of the roof can also be viewed from nearby windows.
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Your home inspector wants to do a good job for their client and they want to examine systems as closely as they can safely do so however, adverse weather conditions or snow covering can limit the extent of any roof inspection regardless of the method chosen.