We might not want to think about it, but our Canadian winter is just around the corner. For homeowners, now is the time to make sure your home is as ready as possible to handle the cold temperatures, snow & ice. Here are some important items to check:

1. Take a walk around the exterior of your home. Look for any unintended openings at your roof & exterior walls where moisture, cold air or pests could enter. These should be repaired or sealed to help prevent damage inside the house walls & to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Remember: Vents, air intakes & dryer outlets need to have access to outdoor air. These should be kept clear of obstructions such as yard debris, shrubs & snow.

2. Check your eavestroughs & downspouts. Remove any leaves or debris that have built up inside your eavestroughs & downspouts so water can easily drain away from your home. If your downspouts drain onto the ground, check that they drain at least 6’ away from the building. This will help to prevent damage to your foundation & to keep your basement dry.

3. Winterize your exterior water taps (hose bibs). Hose bibs full of water can freeze & burst in cold temperatures, leading to flooding & possible water damage to your home. Shut offs should be turned off & the hose bibs drained.

4. Remove lint from the dryer exhaust vent. A lint-clogged dryer vent not only causes your dryer to run less efficiently but it’s also a fire hazard. Clean out the vent on the exterior wall, as well as the inside of the vent pipe. Be sure to remove any accumulated lint in your dryer’s lint trap after each load as well.

5. Hire a specialist to inspect & clean wood-burning fireplaces & stoves. A by-product of burning wood is creosote, a residue which can build up inside your chimney & cause a dangerous fire. Annual inspections & cleaning are recommended to keep your family, pets & your home safe.

Maintenance is an important part of home ownership. Taking the time to check your home & keep it in good shape helps to protect your investment & can save you money down the road too.

Read our other blog posts to learn about Pouring Concrete Foundations in Cold Weather & Dealing with Ice Damming.