In Calgary Alberta, we understand the troubles of winter temperatures and the affects of winter weather on your roof. We also have the added benefit of Chinook’s, which bring in short stints of warmer weather. During this fluctuation of extreme cold and warming weather, its always a great idea to ensure your home is in good shape over the winter months is protected and to avert a home insurance claim.
Here are some tips to prepare your home for winter
Clean your eavestroughs. Removing debris from the eaves/gutters will prevent will reduce any damage to the exterior of your home and roof. During winter months with gusting winds, leaves and debris can build up in your eaves, cold temperatures means snow and ice which can breakdown your gutters. Its recommended to clean them out between 2-3 times per year.
Check your Roof. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing up on a latter to inspect the integrity of your roof, call a professional to do it for you. Inspecting your roof will reduce any issues that may arise over the winter months from wind, snow, hail and ice. Inspecting your roof will reduce the risk of water damage and leaks that may occur.
Inspect seals on doors and windows. Inspecting and possibly replacing seals, weather stripping and door sweeps will help reduce energy costs. With colder temperatures, reducing loss of heat from your home is essential.
Check your Furnace. Have your furnace inspected to make sure it is running efficiently. Most manufacturers recommend an annual inspection by a certified technician, this will help with heating costs but also to protect against maintenance, blockage or leakage. Also, these types of inspections also check for air, temperature and gas pressure.
Protect your plumbing and pipes. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant damage. Be sure to inspect and apply pads to pipes that are not in a heated environment.
Emergency Ready. Winter storms can cause the power to go out sometimes for hours and sometimes for days. Preparing an emergency kit and items available to when there is a loss of power can be a good idea. Consider these few items to pack:
- Bottled Water
- Blankets
- Non-perishable food
- Batteries
- Flashlights
Yard Care. Before the weather turns for the season, check the yard and be clear of any tree branches close to the house. Its also a good idea to walk around the yard throughout the winter months to check on any damages that may have occurred including dryer vent and access to gas metre.
Taking the time to do these items could save time, money and any inconvenience. Lastly, don’t forget to get your vehicle winter ready.