How can I get my Home Ready for Winter?
Q: How can I get my home ready for winter?
A: It’s time for the fall chores before winter arrives, so you can be ready for the snow and ice!
To get your home and yard ready for winter, here are some tips to keep things running smoothly, compliments of Canada Post:
1. Make sure your windows and doors are sturdy and seal out the cold
Check your windows and door frames for air leaks and possible water leaks. Make sure to look for signs of damage, weakened wood or window frame rot. Wooden door and window frames can be damaged by moisture, mold and sometimes insects or rodents.
2. Protect your plants, repair your deck, and maintain your landscaping
When it comes to your lawn and garden, the goal is to promote growth for spring. Fertilize your lawn, plant bulbs, trim fruit trees and hedges. Cover shrubs and trees with burlap, and pull up dead garden plants. Your walkways, driveway and deck also need some care before winter. Replace any rotting or damaged wood, ensure stonework is level, fill in any cracks in the pavement and remove any accumulated leaves or debris. Make sure runoff from your deck, driveway and walkways drains away from your home and foundation before any spring flooding!
3. Repair your summer tools and bring out your winter supplies
Remove accumulated cut grass from your lawn mower and weed whacker. Spray a light coat of oil on the underside of your machinery to protect against damp and rust in the winter. Find your winter tools and supplies for snow removal and ice, and check them over to make sure they're in working order, repaired and within reach.
4. Check your home air systems: heating, cooling, and ventilation
Repair your air quality appliances and prepare them for winter - including your furnace, air conditioner, space heaters, furnace fan, and humidifier. Change your air filters on the furnace, make sure your humidifier works, and top-up on wood or oil if you don’t use electric heating. You’ll also want to inspect, clean, and replace any defective parts of your air ducts, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Don’t forget to test the batteries too!
5. Keep your gutters, roof, and drains clear and leak-free
Check for damage and leaks to your drainage systems, like your gutters and roof. Clear your gutters of all debris and leaves so they are free-flowing for winter and spring storms. Stay safe when maintaining your roof. Have your shingles professionally checked for damage, missing pieces, etc. Have your chimney, walls and skylights inspected for leaks, dirt, or dampness. Inspect your foundation for dampness and make sure the dirt grade by your foundation leads away from, not towards, your home.