Top 5 Steps To Preparing Your Home For Winter

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. Also take a look at these blinds Sydney.
-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