4 Tips to Prepare Your Home for This Year’s Wild Winter Weather

Posted by Manny DeMelo on December 12th, 2017

It’s that time of year again: digging out the winter coats, putting on the snow tires, and resisting the urge to stay indoors until spring. Compared to last winter, the Farmers’ Almanac’s long-range forecast for this year is predicting colder temperatures with wild weather swings including periods of extreme cold and winter storm conditions for Southern Ontario.

Even if you’re not planning to hibernate through the winter, there are actions you can take to make sure your home stays delightful even if the weather outside is frightful.

Here are four easy steps you can follow to winter-proof your home:

1. Clear Your Eavestroughs

Once your trees have shed their remaining leaves, it’s time to turn your attention to the gutters. You don’t want all those leaves and twigs to get in the way and prevent water from draining, especially when freezing temperatures are on the way. Clear all the debris from your eavestroughs to prevent leaks and other damage and be sure to check that they are properly fastened.

Check out our three must-read tips for cleaning your eavestroughs this fall!

2. Check Your Doors and Windows

Energy-efficient windows and doors help keep the heat in and reduce energy consumption during the long winter months. It’s a good idea to check them every fall to make sure they’re doing their job.

  • Clean your window screens. This will let in more sunlight during the shorter days and keep the screens themselves in good condition – saving you money on repairs and replacements.
  • Check weather stripping, caulking, and sealant around windows and doors. These elements help prevent drafts and leaks, saving you money on your energy bill.

3. Avoid Leaks and Stay Dry

Nobody wants to wake up to a burst pipe or a basement flood! Following these simple tips will keep you dry and warm during the cold weather, and prevent any damage to outdoor hoses and sprinklers:

  • Make sure your downspouts are draining a good distance away from your house to prevent basement flooding.
  • Roll up all your garden hoses, storing them away from the cold winds. Drain all the water from your outdoor spigots or sprinklers.
  • Remember to keep your furnace running if you’re away this winter to ensure your home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze.

4. Stock Up on Supplies

Ontarians are far from immune to wicked winter weather. The ice storm of 2013 cost roughly $200 million in damages and left over 600,000 people without power, while last year’s ice storm in March cost over $25 million and left almost 100,000 people without power. Make sure you’re prepared for winter storms this season by stocking up on snow-melt, salt, shovels, and a power-outage emergency kit.

Taking these steps will help keep your home in great condition, so you and your family can stay warm and cozy all winter long.

Quality Exteriors can help you save money this winter with ENERGY STAR rated replacement windows and doors. Contact us today to request a free in-home consultation!

Serving homeowners in St. Catharines, Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville.

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Manny DeMelo
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