March 29, 2024

Dragon Esdelsur

Home Sweet Home

The best winter home preparation tips

Winter Maintenance Tips - 21 Ways to Prepare for Cold Weather - Bob Vila

Canadian winters can be harsh. There are a few things you can do to prepare your home before winter hits and the snow and cold causes damage.

Winter can cause considerable damage to your home in Canada. Having home insurance is a great idea to cover you in the event of any weather-related damage to your home. To read reviews of home insurance companies in Canada, you can visit allreviews.ca. This website offers genuine reviews of Canadian companies and their products. For example, if you are looking to update your lighting before winter sets in, you can search LightInTheBox reviews Canada to see what previous customers have said about this company. Click on the links to see how customer feedback can help you in the decision-making process.

How can I prepare my home for Winter?

We have compiled a list of things in and around your home that should be serviced or changed to survive the harsh winters in Canada. 

  • Winterize your pipes

Snow, cold and heavy rains can cause your pipes to freeze and burst. Insulate your pipes by wrapping them in insulation material. Fill all gaps with foam and weather-resistant caulking where possible. 

  • Check and clean your ventilation systems

Filters on your HVAC system should be cleaned once a month to prevent buildup and blockage of air to your home. Make sure that kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are in good working order. These help to pull out any excess moisture from the room. 

  • Do a fireplace check

You should clean your chimney and fireplace regularly, regardless of whether it’s an electrical, wood burning, or gas fireplace. Test all smoke alarms and detectors monthly. 

  • Prepare for anything and everything

Keep a good shovel handy to clear your walkways and driveway of snow. You should also have an emergency kit containing items like a flashlight, batteries, canned food, bottled water, and a well-stocked first aid kit. Make sure that these items are within their sell-by date. Replace them if they are past the date or close to it. For a list of what should be in your first aid kit, contact your local pharmacy or hospital for their recommendations. 

There are a few more general tips for preparing for the winter. These include changing your car’s tires to snow tires, making sure you have enough gas in an emergency, and keeping your car protected from the elements by parking it undercover. 

Pack away any garden furniture that is left outside. Store them inside to prevent rust and damage from being exposed to the elements. Make sure gutters are secured and clean to allow rain to flow down the drainpipes and not accuse damage to your roof. Check the seals on doors and windows. Even the slightest gap can let a cold draught in. 

Conclusion

While winter may not be the best season of the year, we can prepare ourselves and our homes for every eventuality. If you would like to know more about ways to prepare your home for winter, speak to someone at your local hardware store for the best tips on making sure your house in winter ready.