Roofs, walls & weather

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Brick corner beside horizontal siding and a downspout extension

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

What Does the Gap Behind the Siding Actually Do?

The gap behind siding gives water a route down and out. Its usefulness depends on continuity, flashing and clear exits, not just adding strips to a wall.

Carpenter holding a tissue beside the lower edge of an interior window frame.

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

Why Are the New Windows Wet on the Outside?

Early-morning moisture on the outside of new glass can be ordinary dew. Identify the wet surface before treating it as a failed sealed unit, an indoor-humidity problem or a rain leak.

Lidded rain barrel with a downspout feed, upper overflow hose and lower tap

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

A Rain Barrel Needs an Overflow Route and a Winter Downspout Plan

Plan where roof water goes when the rain barrel is full, disconnected or stored for winter, with Toronto-specific drainage rules clearly separated.

Red blower-door fan panel sealing a doorway beside a closed glass sidelight

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

Blower Door Test or Thermal Camera: What Will Actually Explain the Drafts?

Choose the right energy assessment before buying insulation or windows, and ask for evidence that turns a test result into a useful repair scope.

A person holding a white tissue beside the inside lower corner of a closed window

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

What Should the Humidifier Be Set To When the Windows Get Wet?

Use room readings, outdoor temperature and persistent window wetting to adjust winter humidification instead of relying on one year-round percentage.

A white perforated soffit panel partly disengaged beneath a house gutter

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

A Soffit Panel Flaps in the Wind

Find whether a rattling soffit involves one panel, its receiving channel or damaged backing, then repair the assembly without blocking ventilation.

An outdoor tap on a brick wall with its garden hose disconnected among autumn leaves

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

A Wall-Mounted Hose Reel Needs More Than Siding Screws

A hose reel adds wet weight and repeated pulling force to a wall. Select the reel, substrate and mounting detail together before drilling.

Worker holding a siding accessory beside a tape measure and installation paperwork

Roofs, walls & weather3 min read

A Wide Exterior Joint May Need Backer Rod

Backer rod helps a designed sealant joint flex properly. Check the joint purpose, compatible products and required depth before filling a wide gap.

Outdoor tap on a brick wall with visible mortar joints and a disconnected garden hose

Roofs, walls & weather2 min read

Do Not Bury the Small Drainage Openings in Brickwork

Small openings near the bottom of brick veneer help it drain. Keep landscaping and paving from covering them, and avoid drilling blind replacements.

Worker holding a siding accessory beside a tape measure and installation paperwork

Roofs, walls & weather2 min read

Exterior PVC Trim Joints Keep Opening

Opening PVC trim joints can reflect thermal movement, joint design or fastening. Find the product instructions before adding more caulk.

Siding and brick above an exposed foundation beside stacked offcuts and a downspout extension

Roofs, walls & weather2 min read

Foundation Parging Is Flaking Off

Flaking parging may be a coating failure, but recurring dampness or movement needs investigation before another thin coat hides it.

Vertical sage siding wraps a projecting entry beside brick and horizontal siding

Roofs, walls & weather4 min read

Mounting House Numbers Without Crushing the Siding

Choose a suitable mounting detail for house numbers so the sign stays secure without pinning moving siding or admitting water behind it.