I highly recommend getting the opinion of a local arborist.  If you have trouble finding one check with your local tree nursery or Botanical Garden for a referral.  We have used one before and it was the best $100 we could have spend considering the situation.

You definitely should not have any leaking.  I suggest you call a plumber to come look at the issue.

What type of fence are you leaning toward? Once you get into the larger fences, they are typically 4 or 3 board style horse fences.

One of the most important foundational elements of a successful fire damage restoration project is the philosophical approach the restorer takes in addressing the damage. Years ago the typical practice was to add oderants (smelly stuff) and try to cover smoke residues with encapsulants (e.g.KILZ). The professional restorer today concentrates on source odor removal, that is, removing the smoke residues as completely as possible rather than trying to overpower them with other "better" smells and covering them up with some sort of "sealer". This is more labor intensive, but is fundamental to restoring the property to a true pre-loss condition and maintaining the property's value. The best bet for successfully identifying what can be successfully salvaged is finding a competent restorer advisor that you trust- this is not really a do it yourself skill. set.

John,

1. Surrounding trees should be trimmed back and prepared to handle the snow load.
2. Make sure windows and doors are caulked.
3. Clear items away from the side of the that could trap snow drifts and allow for melting agains the side of the home.
4. Make sure the attic ventilation is adequate and insulation levels are up to code to help mitigate ice dam formation
5. If the home has a crawlspace, make sure pipes are insulated and prepared for the temparature lows.

If you can post up a picture of the home I can give you more acute observations. 

WoW Home Solutions