Prepare Your Home for the Canadian Winter
If you know our mortgage broker, Bob, you know he’s a man who takes care of both his house and office with meticulous attention. After all, why not? You’re protecting the biggest purchase of your life! As we approach the colder months, it’s time to ensure your home is prepared for the challenges that a Canadian winter brings. Proper home maintenance not only protects your investment but also helps reduce monthly energy costs.
Here’s your winter home maintenance checklist to help your home survive the harsh Canadian winter.
- Check Windows and Doors for Leaks and Drafts
You pay to heat your home, so it’s essential to keep the warm air inside and cold drafts out. Even small drafts can make your home feel chilly, forcing you to crank up the heat.
- Seal gaps: Use caulking, weather stripping, or door sweeps to seal any gaps around windows and doors.
- Check your door’s insulation: Place your hand on your front and back doors—if they feel cold, it may be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient door.
- Adjust door frames: Exterior door frames can expand and contract with the seasons. Ensure your doors fit snugly in their frames to prevent air leaks.
- Use window film or insulated curtains: These can help prevent cold air from seeping in, especially on north-facing windows.
- Inspect window seals: If you notice moisture between the panes, the window’s seal is broken, and it may be time to replace the window.
- Keep Gutters Clear and Ensure Proper Drainage
Proper water drainage is essential in winter to prevent damage caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Clear your gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and eavestroughs to allow for proper drainage.
- Inspect your roof: Check for loose shingles or signs of leaks.
- Ensure proper water flow: Make sure your eavestroughs drain away from the house to prevent damage to the foundation or walkways.
- Protect Entryways
Winter can wreak havoc on your entryway floors, baseboards, and doors as snow, dirt, and salt get tracked inside.
- Use a boot tray: Contain the mess of snow, gravel, and salt with a rubber boot tray.
- Lay down a sturdy rug: Absorb moisture and trap dirt with a washable, durable rug.
- Install coat hooks: Hang wet outerwear on hooks to avoid trapping moisture inside closets.
- Keep towels handy: Keep a towel near the door to wipe up snow and mud quickly.
- Clear Snow and Ice
Snow and ice buildup can cause damage to your home and pose safety hazards.
- Maintain your equipment: Ensure your snowblower, shovels, and brooms are in good working order.
- Stock up on supplies: Have plenty of gravel and salt on hand.
- Clear snow regularly: Remove snow from walkways, patios, and driveways, and keep an eye on your roof to avoid snow buildup.
- Maintain Your Furnace, Hot Water Tank, and Humidifier
Ensure your heating systems are in top shape to avoid any breakdowns during the coldest months.
- Replace filters: Regularly changing furnace and humidifier filters improves air and water flow.
- Inspect your systems: If you didn’t do a fall inspection, now is the time to have your furnace and water tank checked.
- Insulate your hot water tank: Wrap it in an approved insulation blanket to reduce heat loss and lower your heating costs.
- Protect Against Frozen Pipes and Winter Flooding
Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs, so it’s vital to protect your plumbing.
- Insulate pipes: Focus on pipes in unheated areas like the garage or basement.
- Drain outdoor spigots: Disconnect hoses and drain water from outdoor spigots to prevent freezing.
- Keep your home warm: During extreme cold, keep your thermostat set to at least 21°C to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Check on Insulation and Ventilation
Proper insulation and ventilation keep your home warm and prevent issues like ice dams.
- Inspect attic insulation: Ensure your attic has enough insulation and vents are clear for proper airflow.
- Reverse ceiling fans: Set your fans to rotate clockwise at low speed to push warm air down into the room.
- Inspect Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Detectors
If you’re using your fireplace, ensure it’s safe and ready for use.
- Clean your chimney: Wood-burning fireplaces can build up dangerous creosote deposits, so schedule a yearly inspection.
- Check smoke detectors: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replace batteries, and ensure they’re in working order.
- Stop Condensation on Windows
Excess condensation on windows can lead to mold and water damage.
- Adjust humidity levels: Lower your humidifier settings during extreme cold to reduce condensation.
- Improve airflow: Open blinds and keep vents unblocked to encourage better circulation.
- Garage Care
Whether you use your garage for storage or as a workspace, it’s crucial to ensure it’s winter-ready.
- Insulate garage walls: This reduces heat loss and helps keep your house warmer.
- Check for drafts: Inspect garage doors for leaks and drafts.
- Keep it clean: Clear snow and moisture from your garage floor to prevent damage.
- Prepare a Survival Kit
Be ready for anything, whether it’s a winter storm or an unexpected power outage.
- Stock up on essentials: Your kit should include bottled water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food.
- Have an emergency plan: Rehearse escape routes with your family, and keep important documents in a safe, easily accessible place.
Be Prepared for Winter and Protect Your Home
Taking the time to prepare your home for winter can save you money and stress later. A few hours spent on maintenance can prevent issues from escalating and help you keep energy costs down. So, check off those items on your list, stay cozy, and enjoy the winter season! And remember, whether you’re buying a home, refinancing, or simply looking for expert advice, Canadian Mortgage Professionals is here to help you navigate your mortgage journey.