Canadian winters are cold and damp! Take specific care preparing for these months.
Below are some steps to help you keep your house tip-top condition this winter.
1) Service your Weather-Specific Equipment
-Drain the gas from your lawnmower
-Clean and store your summer gardening equipment
-Tune up your snowblower
-Make sure you own a working snow shovel and ice chopper
-Have bags of salt or sand to melt the ice.
2) Filling in the Holes
-Walk around your home and pay specific attention to windows, doors and all exterior trim. If you find a draft, caulk around the problem area.
-If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields.
-Install or replace weather stripping on all doors and windows.
-Check for cracks around pipes and electrical outlets entering or exiting the walls. If you find crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
3) Inspect Roof, Gutters & Downspouts
-Inspect your attic to make sure you have proper insulation. Proper insulation of your attic prevents warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams.
-Check flashing (find quick definition) to ensure water cannot enter the home.
-Replace broken roof shingles or tiles.
-Clean out your gutters. Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
4) HVAC Systems
-Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend at least annual inspections.
-Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly.
-Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat.
-If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them.
-Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.
5) Prepare Garden & Outdoor Surfaces for the cold months ahead
-Trim trees if branches hang too close to the house or electrical wires.
-Ask a gardener when your trees should be pruned to prevent winter injury.
-Seal driveways, brick patios and wood decks.
-Move sensitive potted plants indoors or to a sheltered area.
-E.A.M Consulting & James Metcalfe REALTOR® BROKER
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