Get your house warmed up for the cold weather
With winter just around the corner, sub-zero arctic temperatures, icy conditions and way too much snow can also be expected. Even though this year has been different, it won’t stop winter from coming and affecting your property. Whether you’ve been putting it off or are a new homeowner, there’s a laundry list of things to do to prep your home for the harsh climate we get in Canada. Read on to understand what you need to do to protect your home from potential damage caused by winter weather.
How to prep your home property to be winter-ready
Have your furnace professionally installed
Failing to have your furnace professionally installed can lead to a number of risky household accidents. Look to an expert to set it up and ensure that your furnace is running properly and efficiently. It would also be a good time to run diagnostics on your thermostat, determining if it needs to be replaced with a programmable one to save money on heating costs.
Inspect all windows and doors
Cracks in your windows and doors will only invite in unwanted cold weather and elements which can destroy your plumbing and your heating system. If it doesn’t destroy your heating system, it will certainly run up your hydro bill. In order to prevent heat loss, check the weather-stripping around windows and door frames, and replace them where necessary. Caulk both inside and out where necessary to keep the heat in and the cold out, avoiding any drafts.
Trim Your Bushes and Trees
Tame any arbour on your property that has been growing wild. They may be too close to electrical wires or can collect a lot of snow, which can put you at risk for hefty damage. To avoid property damage and power issues, thorough pre-winter landscaping is needed.
Look Out for Ailing Tree Limbs
Similar to the point above, sick tree limbs can endanger your property if triggered by elements like a storm or heavy snowfall. When having your trees inspected, make sure to take note of the trees that aren’t doing so well.
Read More: Common Causes of Winter Damage to Trees
Have Your Trees Professionally Inspected or Removed
To fully avoid all complications and risks associated with tree accidents, consult with a professional to give your landscaping a thorough inspection. Professional landscapers have the ability to identify any major risk factors and will know how to prepare your house for winter and eliminate them effectively. A professional might even help you rescue a tree you would’ve thought to cut down completely by only cutting off a part of it.
Read More: 7 Reasons You Need Emergency Tree Removal Services
Clean Your Gutters
It’s important your eaves are free of any debris such as leaves, dirt, and sticks. Clogged gutters prevent the draining of rain and melting snow, which could result in household leaks. Also, make sure your downspouts extend away from your house by at least five feet to ensure that water runs away from your house and not towards it.
Inspect Your Roof
Inspect your roof for any missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Be sure to also inspect the caulking around the chimney and air vents. Failing to do this can lead to major damage come heavier snowfalls. Consult with a roofer if you need extra help.
Turn Off Outdoor Faucets
Like any other undrained source of water in contact with the extreme cold, it can freeze, which can cause the pipes to burst. Don’t forget to disconnect your garden house drain the remaining water, and make sure that any outdoor water sources are completely turned off.
Inspect Your Fireplace and Sweep the Chimney
Don’t get toasty by the fire just yet! Before the first fireplace of the season, you’ll need to check that the chimney and vents are clean and in good condition by having your chimney looked at by a professional. The proper process will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide from building up and finding its way into your home.
Pad Exposed Pipes in Unheated Areas
Pipes and winter are a difficult combination, but if you equip yourself with the proper padding, it can be an easy and inexpensive method to help prevent water damage resulting from a frozen pipe. Be diligent when covering your pipes because even issues with the smallest of pipes can cause a lot of costly damage to your property inspections in winter.
Protect Indoor Pipes
Frozen water clogged in indoor pipes can expand and cause pipes to burst. Consulting with an expert to protect your indoor pipes will ensure that nothing will happen to them even during the harshest days of the season. Make sure there are no pipe leaks to avoid disaster.
Insulate Attic and/or Crawl Space
Keep in mind that your smaller pipes might be in your attic or crawl space, and these areas also tend to be unheated and potentially damp. Examine exposed ducts and use a sealant to plug up any leaks.
Store All Your Outdoor Items
Don’t forget to store all of your outdoor items! Not only will large amounts of snow ruin them, but it will make cleaning up your yard (and enjoying it) come spring all the more effective. Do you want shards of frozen and shattered plastic bits impossible to dig up until all the snow melts come April or May? Also, don’t forget to take down your hammock. Snowfall can accumulate and potentially destroy it, so you will want to keep it in a safe, dry place for the season.
Hire a Professional Residential Snow Removal Company
Don’t get stuck in the snow, hire an on-demand, professional snow removal company this winter. Get peace of mind that your home will get house ready for winter all season long without having to break your back or invest in a premium-quality snowblower.
The more seriously you take precautionary measures before winter property inspections hit, the more you will enjoy your yard and your home when the winter clears. Additionally, winter is hard enough to deal with in a harsh climate, so keeping your household running as smoothly as possible is the best bet for a stress-free winter. Just remember to look to the professionals to make sure everything that needs to be taken care of is looked after appropriately. Contact us at Green Thumb today.
We take pride in offering our professional Tree Care services in Ottawa. Feel free to reach out to Green Thumb Tree Specialist for any of the following Tree Services: