Winters in Ontario can be very unforgiving. You should, therefore, do proper winter home maintenance for your health and for the structural integrity of your home. Below are the areas you should focus on while waiting for winter.
Water Pipes
Water pipes are susceptible to bursting due to the freezing and unfreezing of water which causes expansion and contraction respectively. To prevent this, ensure the home is always heated to prevent freezing, let faucets drip whenever there are serious cold snaps, wrap vulnerable piping with insulation, caulk up holes and cracks in your walls, and call a plumber immediately pipes freeze and water stops flowing from faucets.
Ice Dams
Although icicles look nice during Christmas, they are very dangerous because they prevent water from melting snow from escaping. In cold weather, the heat that escapes from your home can melt and re-freeze snow and ice on the roof, which will create ice dams. The water will climb up the shingles to where it can cause real damage.
Foundation
If your foundation is destroyed, your home does not stand a chance. Since you will not be able to redo your foundation without demolishing your home, the best you can do is reducing the impact of snow and ice on the foundation. You can do this by shoveling snow away from the home and keeping it from piling up against your foundation.
Gutters
Unclog the gutters to ensure water is efficiently drained from the roof. Blocked gutters, which are a common problem during winter, can lead to the destruction of your roof (when water seeps into the roof) and the flooding of the foundation. Prue trees around the home and that might be hanging near the roof and gutters.
Electrical and gas lines, windows, doors, plumbing areas, light fixtures, and mail chutes
Do weather stripping of electrical and gas lines, windows, doors, plumbing areas, light fixtures, and mail chutes to prevent warm air from leaving the house (and cold air from entering the house). Do an audit to ensure all air leaks are sealed.
External Vents and Fans
Side exhaust vents, rooftop vents, and fans are to the exterior of the house and as such, are often covered by snow accumulation. You can take care of the vents by clearing the snow after heavy snowfall, even when they are not fully blocked.
Air Filters
During winter, doors, windows, and anyplace else where air can escape through, are usually sealed shut. This means the dirt and dust we drag in with our shoes is collected by the air filter. The clogging due to the accumulation of dirt and dust means the furnace will work harder and, consequently, more energy consumption. You should swap the air filters every few months to ensure there is no clogging or else you will be looking for furnace repair services.
Outdoor Furniture
To protect your outdoor furniture during winter, cover everything up. This includes furniture, pool toys, and barbeques.
If you are planing winter renovation, read our Important considerations for winter renovations.
At Kitchen & Bath, we have several home renovations and maintenance solutions to winter-proof your home. You can visit our website or call us on (647)697-7725 for these solutions.
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