Winter Is Coming: 5 Tips to Prepare Your Home

Posted by Manny DeMelo on December 5th, 2016

winter is coming get your house winter readyWith winter just around the corner, it’s time to take out your mittens, toques, and boots. But don’t forget about preparing your biggest investment for the change in seasons: your home.

The Greater Toronto Area lucked out last year with a relatively mild winter. We don’t know what’s in store for us this year, but some experts are predicting a return to a more classic Canadian winter with heavy snowfall.

Now is the perfect time to get ready for the snow and ice ahead. Here are five easy steps homeowners can follow to winter-proof their homes:

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 soak in water before freezing, potentially causing leaks or other damage. Clear all the debris from your eavestroughs 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

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 winter and keep them in good condition – saving you money on repairs and replacements.
  • Check weather stripping, caulking and sealant around windows and doors. These all 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 the home stays warm and the pipes do not freeze (and burst!).

4. Say Goodbye to Your Patio

You’re not going to feel like barbequing when the temperatures hit -10C. It’s time to say goodbye to the grill, the patio furniture, and the garden until next year. Cover and store your grill in a location where no snow or moisture can get to it and bring any potted plants inside.

5. Stock Up on Supplies

Remember the Ice Storm of 2013 that left hundreds of thousands of people without power in Southern Ontario? 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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