(NC) With spring almost in full bloom, it's time to start taking stock of winter's impact on your home. Snow, ice and wind can not only damage the exterior of a home, but can affect the internal environment as well.

If you are the owner of a newly built home or condominium that is less than seven years old, household maintenance can be essential to protecting your new home warranty. Guaranteed by Tarion, this warranty comes with almost all new homes in Ontario. It protects homeowners from a host of issues including water penetration through the basement or foundation walls; defects in the electrical, plumbing and heating systems; and major structural damage.

The peace of mind this warranty offers goes hand-in-hand with a responsibility to perform regular home maintenance to ensure your home stays covered under warranty. Here are some spring maintenance tips to keep your new home in good shape:

• Clear eavestroughs of debris 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 by a professional to ensure shingles, flashing and chimney caps have made it through the winter in good shape and are sealed properly.

• Check your attic, basement and crawl spaces for leaks or moisture. Identify any musty smells and odours, as they are often an indicator of a hidden moisture problem.

• Fix any caulking around windows, doors and on the roof if it is cracked or separated.

• Clean or replace your furnace filter. Check air ducts by removing covers and vacuuming dust from vents.

• Check your heat recovery ventilator (HRV), washing or replacing the filter as needed.

• Clean your humidifier and check for condensation and proper humidity levels inside your home.

• Check driveways and walks for frost damage.

It's important to remember that year-round maintenance helps ensure your home and its statutory warranty are protected. Information about regular maintenance and warranty coverage is available online at www.tarion.com.

Attention editors: This article is for distribution in Ontario only.

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