5 ways to winter-proof your home

Winter is coming! Believe it or not, it’s time to start prepping your home (and your mind) for the harshest season of the year. As you likely know, winter in Canada is no small thing. Between heavy snowfalls, icy winds, and sudden storms, the season can put both your comfort and your home to the test. Taking the steps to winter-proof your home is all about protecting your property and avoiding costly repairs. With that in mind, here are five steps that will help you get your home ready so you can enjoy the season with peace of mind.

#1 Protect your pipes

The risk of frozen pipes is one of the biggest hazards of winter in Canada. When pipes freeze with water inside, they can expand and burst. Of course, this leads to flooding and pricey water damage. To avoid this, it’s important to properly insulate any exposed pipes in colder areas of your home. For example, your basement, garage, or attic might all be home to pipes that are at risk in the winter. 

Have any plans to leave town during the winter? Be sure to take the proper precautions! Keep your thermostat set to at least 15°C, and consider having someone you trust check in on your home. As an extra measure, you can also let your taps drip slightly during super cold spells. This will help keep water moving through your pipes. These simple steps can save you from major headaches and repair costs down the road.

#2 Keep your home insulated

Poor insulation and drafty windows are common reasons for high utility bills during the winter. Cold air sneaks in while warm air escapes, and your heating system has to work overtime to keep your house warm. This means your heating bill can skyrocket, even though you aren’t doing anything differently. How can you dodge these extra costs? Check around your windows and doors and identify any gaps. If you feel a chill or see light seeping through, you need to invest in some weather-stripping or caulking. Two of the most common places for heat loss are your attic and basement. Adding insulation to these areas can cut down on energy bills and keep your home comfier. In Canada, where winter heating costs can make a big dent in your wallet, these little steps are some of the best investments you can make.

#3 Prepare your home’s structure

When you winter-proof your home, you need to focus on the outside of your property as well! Snow and ice are a guarantee in a Canadian winter, so it’s important to be ready. Before the snow starts sticking, take the time to clear gutters of leaves and debris. This will help melting snow and ice can drain properly. If water backs up, it can cause ice dams, which can damage your roof, gutters, and inside walls. Heavy snow accumulation on your roof can also cause structural issues. If you notice a dangerous buildup, it’s worth calling a professional to address it safely. You should also be sure to keep your walkways and driveway safe by keeping salt or sand on hand. A good shovel is essential as well, and we recommend keeping a snow blower ready too. 

#4 Maintain your heating

Your furnace or heating system is your best friend during winter in Canada. This means it’s important to ensure it’s in good shape before the cold sets in. You can schedule a professional inspection to confirm it’s running efficiently and safely. Technicians can clean filters, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and give you the all clear for the season. If you use a wood stove or fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned as well. This will limit fire hazards, and help you avoid running into issues in the middle of a January storm. Taking care of your heating system now ensures that you’ll have reliable warmth when the cold sets in.

#5 Prepare for outages

Winter storms are a reality in Canada. Unfortunately, this means power outages are as well. Having an emergency kit ready can make these situations much easier, however! Stock up on the essentials like flashlights, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food. This might seem like unnecessary prep work, but it’s much better to be safe than sorry. It’s also smart to have a plan for your home during an extended outage. Portable generators can be a good option if this is something you are able to invest in, for example. Even if outages are rare in your area, being prepared will give you an extra layer of security when the snow starts falling.

Getting ready to winter-proof your home is about more than just comfort. It’s also about protecting one of your biggest investments! By taking the steps discussed above, you’ll reduce the risk of major damages with high price tags. As mortgage brokers, we know how much effort goes into maintaining a home! Preparing for winter now means fewer surprises later. Winter will always bring its challenges, but with the right preparation, your home will be ready to weather the season. Take the time to winter-proof your property now, and you can enjoy the snowy months ahead.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.