Preparing Your House for the Winter

th Halloween spooky night being over, that means one thing: winter is coming. The Christmas merchandise is already in some stores in case you needed another hint. Canadians are largely a tough bunch, we enjoy winter sports and aren’t scared of some snow. But we also know the challenges that come along with our harsh winters. Of course, shovelling is not all you need to do to maintain your property in sub-zero temperatures. There are several tasks to take on before we enter winter to ensure your property weathers the icy temperatures, and some useful tips to keep in mind throughout the season.?

First things first, homeowners should clear their property of autumnal debris. Prior to the first snowfall, to prevent leaves clogging your gutters and becoming stuck under a thick blanket of snow, any leaves, sticks, dead plants, and branches should be removed. The accumulation of snow on top of rotting leaves and branches can spread disease and ruin that nice grass in your yard. Wet and cold leaves are incredibly slippery, and that can get worse when mixed with ice. Neglecting your gutters will cause clogging, freezing, and even cracking of building materials, potentially contributing to structural damage of your home. The weight of ice and snow may cause your gutters to collapse. So when should we clean the autumn leaves??If you notice the leaves have stopped falling on your property, cleaning the eavestrough at this time is a great idea.

Similarly, now is the time to cut down dead or dying bushes or tree branches. When your plants weaken, they are not able to hold the weight of ice and snow as well as they once were, and neglecting to cut these plants down means you are risking an avalanche over your head or your parked car. Similar to rotting leaves and branches, removing dead or dying plants will also protect your soil and grass from becoming infected. Trimming trees away from the house and wires will ensure that there are not accidents related to ice toppling heavy branches.

Next, throughout the winter, you should maintain your driveway. When that Amazon delivery guy (or gal) drops by with your Christmas presents, you may be gifted a lawsuit instead. Using salt or kitty litter are the most common ways to prevent slipping. In addition, adding adequate lighting for visitors to know when to step over the ice may also be beneficial. On a similar note, homeowners may consider installing slip-proof flooring or surfaces in the entrance of their home. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are some of the most common slip-proof floorings out there. Also, frequent cleaning of your tiles is recommended, as dirt and build-up can affect the surface’s gripping qualities.?

Before temperatures drop, we recommend getting your furnace checked as soon as you are ready to turn it on. Cleaning filters and having your system checked by a professional prior to reaching 0 degrees is most wise. Canadian property management companies warn homeowners that carbon monoxide leakages from heaters are much more likely to happen in the winter, so heaters should be inspected prior to this time. If your detectors are battery operated, changing the batteries in both the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms is a must.

Also, homeowners should be storing their patio furniture in a warmer, dry place, such as a shed or a garage. Wood, especially if it is untreated, some pottery won’t survive the wet and the cold and may just crack. Covering the furniture with a tarp may still work for you, but in coldest of temperatures it is wiser to place them in a garage.?

Finally, insulation. If the caulking on your doors and windows are worn out, you’ll be a bit chillier than normal. If your furnace can keep up, you may be wondering why your bill is so high. Many Property Management companies indicate that the silicone caulking is less likely to shrink or warp, meaning it will last you the longest. Pipes should also be insulated, because ignoring this will cause damage, freezing, and possibly bursting. Covering openings with foam will also prevent critters from squeezing into your spaces.?

To ensure your home stays toasty and dry this winter, follow our tips and tricks. With forecasts set for dramatic increases in heating fuel and natural gas costs, the effort will more than pay for itself. If not, you will be reminded, most likely at the worst possible time, how much you appreciated your furnace before it stopped working.?