It’s the week before Thanksgiving. Fall season is well underway, and the nip in the air keeps getting sharper with each passing week. Before we know it, winter will be here. For homeowners, that is your cue to make sure you and your home are well prepared for the long winter months ahead.
To begin with, your home needs to be winterized well in advance. Doing so now will help you avoid costly repairs, insurance claims, and save on energy bills. Today, we will share relevant and topical information on how to best prepare your home for the impending frigid weather.
Gutter Cleaning – Fall weather is reminiscent of the burnt orange and various autumnal hues of fall leaves. Even as you take those long walks to enjoy the beauty of the Canadian fall weather, don’t forget to ensure that your home’s gutters are not clogged with dead leaves ahead of winter. This can block water and snow melt from getting drained properly, resulting in considerable water damage to your home.
Plumbing Maintenance – Freezing weather outside can significantly impact the water temperature in your home’s plumbing network, causing it to freeze, expand, and burst or damage the pipe carrying it. This is especially true for external plumbing, such as sprinklers, water fountains, hoses, and spigots in your garden or backyard. During winter, these need to be drained, switched off, and insulated. You can also hire a professional for drain cleaning with hydro jetting, and to adequately insulate any exposed pipes.
Trimming Trees and Foliage Around the House – A heavy winter storm or blizzard is enough to damage the foliage, including the trees surrounding your house. Keep these trimmed to avoid any structural damage to your home or its roof from broken tree branches or debris.
Roof Inspection – A thick layer of snow or ice melt can damage your roof if you haven’t winterized it. You can start by getting a roof inspection to check if any roof shingles need to be replaced or repaired. Re-sealing any cracks or worn-out portions of your roof is also recommended.
Check Carbon Monoxide and Fire Alarms – Home heating equipment has been known to cause many a house fire in the winter, so it is important to make sure that your home’s fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working condition. You should also test these regularly, including checking the batteries, along with other home safety equipment. Heating equipment, such as your home’s boiler, fireplace, and chimney should also be inspected for safety.
HVAC Maintenance – If you want to save on your heating costs during the winter, make sure your HVAC system is regularly serviced and is in good working condition. This also helps avoid heat loss and ensures that your home remains energy efficient. Regularly check and replace air filters when needed.
Clear Your Deck – Ontario winters are not conducive to leaving your patio furniture outside. It needs to be stowed away in a garage, garden shed, or inside your home, along with other garden/outdoor equipment, such as planters, gardening tools, your barbecue or grill, etc. Also, make sure that you have unhooked your grill’s propane tank.
Lawn and Driveway Maintenance – You might not be gardening in the winter, but it is important to prepare your lawn for the months ahead by cleaning, aerating, and fertilizing it for the spring. This is also a good time to do your spring planting. Repair your driveway to minimize any further damage during the winter.
Stock Up on Supplies – Harsh winter weather can be unpredictable and demobilizing so you should stock up on essential supplies, such as salt and de-icer for when it snows. Check to make sure that equipment, such as a snow blower and generator, are in good working condition, as are your snow shovels, roof rake, etc. Fuel used for snowblowers and generators should be stored safely and never in your basement. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, stock up on firewood early, and store it in a dry place.
Emergency Kit – Have emergency supplies ready for those really bad winter storms that have the potential to knock out the power supply. These can include a first aid kit, non-perishable food items, extra layers, snow shovels, flashlights, batteries, and more.
Do get in touch with the RE/MAX Royal Team Sachdeva Realty for more information about any of your real estate needs.
Our team wishes you and yours a Memorable and Happy Thanksgiving in advance.
Have a great holiday weekend!