We all know what is around the corner. It’s coming faster than we want to admit. It’s time to protect your home from the elements. Fall (or now) is a great time to start thinking about how to handle and maintain your home for the cold weather.
Let’s get your home ready for the winter weather. Here are some things you need to do:
1) Drain the sprinkler system and shut down the pool.
This is going to be the hardest part of winterizing the home for most people. Make sure to shut down and prepare your pool and, sprinklers and faucets for winter. Sometimes, it is worth the cost (to save the headache) and have professionals come in to take care of these tasks.
Pools are something you want to tend to before it gets too late. If a problem is discovered contractors will be able to support you before the freeze. It’s also great to tackle these projects before spring as spring can be a very busy time and harder to get support.
2) Check Air Conditioning and Heating
Typically, heating and cooling systems last 12-15years (assuming they have been maintained). Before Saskatchewan winter hits – at the very least – change your filter(s). If you want to maintain your your system have a reputable HVAC contractor inspect it. Some people use a maintenance company and lock into annual maintenance updates to keep their HVAC systems running.
If your HVAC system is checked in mild fall temperatures it’s better to find problems and work on updates in mild weather rather than freezing Saskatchewan winters.
3) Clean The Gutters
No if and or butts about this one! Once those leaves fall off the trees it’s time to clean those gutters. Leaving the gutters to chance is probably the worst thing a homeowner can do! If (when) gutters get back up, they overflow and water runs down the home which can (and most likely will) result in the deterioration of your exterior.
Chances are if your exterior is deteriorating, your foundation will deteriorate. Water infiltration in the basement can lead to cracks in the foundation concrete, porches and walk ways and will create all kinds of problems. So, take it from us, don’t leave the gutters to chance.
4) Thoroughly Investigate Your Attic
Go through the attic and make sure there are no critters living or visiting there. They can cause damage (and maybe some health problems).
In order to keep these problems at bay trim your trees, keep bushes and branches away from the house and make sure the vents are intact.
Go through the exterior of the home and look for holes where animals could get into.
5) Smoke Detectors and Carbon monoxide alarms
While you are up there checking the attic, it’s a good idea to check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure they have batteries, are working properly and are still within the expiration dates (if they have them).
6) Get Ready For Snow Removal
The time to make sure you have salt, gravel, shovels, snowblower, etc is not during a snowstorm when you (and everyone else in Saskatoon) is looking for the same items. If you have a snowblower make sure it’s ready to go or get it repaired.
Make sure you are ready for the big one before the big one happens.
As always, if you need help buying or selling your home, we are here to help.
Gregg Bamford and Ryan Bamford
