FALL AND WINTER PREP

Getting Your House Ready for Fall and Winter

As the crisp autumn air rolls in, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the chillier months ahead. Fall and winter bring many challenges, from freezing temperatures to heavy snow, which can take a toll on your home if you’re unprepared. Luckily, a little effort now can save you time, money, and stress later. Below are some practical steps to ensure your home is warm, efficient, and protected this winter.

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters

Cleaning your gutters may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s vital for preventing water damage during the wet seasons.

• Why it’s important: Gutters channel rainwater and melting snow away from your home. When they’re clogged, water can overflow, leading to roof leaks, damage to your walls, and even foundation problems.

• What to do: Safely use a ladder to remove leaves, dirt, and debris from your gutters. After cleaning, flush the gutters with water to ensure they drain properly. Check for sagging gutters or loose brackets and make repairs if needed.

• Ladder safety tip: Always ensure your ladder is on a stable surface and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) while climbing. Consider having a spotter to hold the ladder steady.

• Extra tip: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from building up and make future cleanings easier.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Drafts can sneak in through small cracks around windows and doors, increasing energy bills and leaving your home chilly.

• Why it’s important: Even small gaps in your home’s envelope can significantly reduce energy efficiency, forcing your heating system to work harder.

• What to do: Inspect all the seals around your windows and doors. Feel for drafts or check for gaps using a lit candle (the flame will flicker if air is coming through). Apply weatherstripping to doors and caulking to window frames to seal any leaks. Use draft stoppers under doors.

• Extra tip: Consider applying shrink-wrap plastic insulation kits for a quick, temporary fix for particularly drafty windows.

3. Inspect the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first defence against the elements, so it’s crucial to check it before snow and ice arrive.

• Why it’s important: A damaged or worn roof can lead to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs. Snow and ice buildup can exacerbate small problems, causing significant damage.

• What to do: From the ground, use binoculars to inspect for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights, as these are common for leaks. If you spot damage, consider calling a professional roofer to assess and repair the problem before winter.

• Extra tip: Clean off any debris that may have accumulated on your roof, such as leaves or branches, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.

4. Prepare Heating Systems

As temperatures drop, your heating system will become the heart of your home, so make sure it’s running efficiently.

• Why it’s important: A well-maintained heating system will keep you warm, save money on energy bills, and prevent breakdowns during the coldest months.

• What to do: Schedule a professional inspection of your furnace, heat pump, or boiler to ensure it’s functioning properly. Replace air filters to improve air quality and boost efficiency. If you haven’t already, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to lower your energy use when you’re away or asleep.

• Extra tip: For homes with radiators, bleed them (release trapped air) for better heat distribution.

5. Check Your Insulation

Proper insulation keeps the warmth in and the cold out, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

• Why it’s important: Heat rises, so poorly insulated attics, walls, and basements can lead to heat loss and higher energy bills.

  
  

• What to do:

  Inspect your attic to ensure adequate insulation (experts recommend at least 12 inches).

  Look for gaps or exposed areas where heat could escape. If walls, basements, and crawl spaces feel drafty or cold, add insulation.

• Extra tip: Check for air leaks around outlets, light fixtures, and plumbing pipes, and seal them with caulk or spray foam.

6. Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Frozen pipes are a common winter nightmare, but simple steps can help avoid costly repairs.

• Why it’s important: When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, causing them to crack or burst and causing

  water damage.

• What to do: Disconnect and drain garden hoses, then store them indoors. Turn on the water on the exterior, then turn off the water supply on the interior. Drain the line to the exterior and use insulated covers to protect it from freezing. If you have an irrigation system, have it professionally blown out to remove any remaining water.

• Extra tip: To prevent freezing in pipes that run through unheated areas (e.g., basements, garages), ensure they are completely drained of water.

  
  

7. Service the Fireplace

There’s nothing like the warmth of a cozy fireplace, but it’s essential to ensure it’s safe to use before lighting that first fire.

• Why it’s important: A poorly maintained fireplace can pose serious risks, including house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

• What to do: Have chimneys, fireplaces, and woodstoves professionally inspected and cleaned by a WETT-certified contractor. Clean out the firebox and ensure the damper opens and closes smoothly. For gas fireplaces, ensure the pilot light and burner are functioning correctly.

• Extra tip: Stock up on seasoned firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace or woodstove, as green or wet wood produces more creosote and less heat.

8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As you use heating systems and wood-burning appliances more, you must ensure your safety devices function.

• Why it’s important: Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can save lives in a fire or gas leak.

• What to do: Press the test button to test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries in each device (it’s best to do this twice a year) and ensure they are placed in key locations, such as near bedrooms and on each floor of your home.

• Extra tip: Consider upgrading to newer models with a 10-year sealed battery for convenience and safety.

9. Trim Trees and Bushes

Winter storms can wreak havoc on trees, potentially causing damage to your home and property.

• Why it’s important: Snow and ice can cause weak branches to break, which can damage your roof, windows, or power lines.

• What to do: Trim back any branches that hang over your roof or near power lines (be sure to hire a professional for this). Remove any dead or diseased trees that could fall in a storm. Prune bushes and shrubs to prevent them from blocking walkways or driveways.

• Extra tip: Regular trimming promotes healthy tree growth, so you’ll have strong, beautiful trees in the spring.

10. Prepare for Emergencies

Winter storms can sometimes knock out power, leaving you without heat or electricity for hours or even days.

• Why it’s important: Being prepared for emergencies can keep you and your family safe and comfortable during a power outage.

• What to do: Stock up on essentials such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Keep a portable phone charger on hand, and consider investing in a portable generator if power outages are common in your area. Create an emergency kit with a first aid kit, extra medications, and important documents.

Conclusion

Getting your house ready for fall and winter can feel like a lot of work, but each task is an investment in your home’s safety and comfort. With these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to face the cold months ahead with peace of mind, knowing your home is ready to withstand whatever fall and winter bring. For more information, refer to our website.