Six Projects You Need to Do Before Winter

Canadian houses endure great loss and damage worth thousands of dollars every year as a result of poor preparation for winter.

Despite Canada is being a wonderful place to have a house, it does require extra work.

As winter approaches, You might be busy thinking about gifts and decor for the coming holidays. However, it may be best to start thinking about mundane home maintenance.

We made things easy for you.Here’s a list of projects you need to do before winter.

1- Furnace and Ducts

You probably turned on your furnace for the season without having it checked. If this was the case, you should have a pro come by as soon as possible. A pro will make sure that your system can work safely.

An HVAC specialist can also examine and clean your ducts thoroughly. During summer months, grime, dirt, and mold tend to accumulate in these places. Such elements can cause harm to your family when circulated throughout the house.

Remember that your furnace filters must be replaced around once a month. Ignoring it will restrict airflow throughout your home, make your appliance operate harder, and raise your power bill.

It’s best that, you ask your pro about permanent filters during your service appointment. Permanent electrostatic filters and HEPA filters clean the air more efficiently, circulate your house of dangerous particles, and protect your family against mold and allergens.

An HVAC specialist can make things easier for you by breaking down your options and make recommendations to fit your budget.

2- Gutters & Downspouts

As fall comes to its end, you’ll need to secure and clean your roof, gutters, and downspouts and also ensure they are in good shape.

It’s no brainer that you have your gutters cleaned in early fall, but also it is just as essential to have your gutters examined and cleaned as we are going into winter.

 Over the fall season, leaves and debris gather in your gutters and prevent water from draining properly.

In the winter, this water will freeze and, if left untackled, it can seriously damage your gutters.

Although it might not rain frequently in the winter months, gutters need to direct the run-off from melted snow. Have a pro or handyman come by to perform a thorough examination of your gutters and downspouts before the temperature reaches below zero.

3- Snow Removal

You may know that it already begins snowing in many areas across Canada. Snow removal services can be very helpful, only when they’re booked well in advance.

  The most trusted services start to get incredibly busy around this time of year. Contact a snow removal pro now to guarantee that your driveway and walkways will be in good shape all winter long.

4- Roof’s Insulation

Before using your thermostat, you should seriously think about investing in new insulation for your home’s attic. In the winter, the air you’re paying to heat naturally flows up. If your roof and attic are improperly insulated, this air will find its way out at the end.

Roof insulation will also prevent the buildup of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams shape when uneven roof temperatures make melted snow re-freeze before it drainsinto gutters and downspouts.

The frozen ridges then impede run-off water from draining, causing it to pool and eventually seep into the house.

Have a pro come by to add a few layers of insulation to your attic and you can be certain that you won’t have high energy bills and a damaged roof next spring.

5- Branches

The exterior of your home is another area that needs your attention. Branches can cause serious damage to Canadian homes and property in winter.

As frail branches become weighed down with ice and can eventually snap off. If you have branches that hang over a fence, pool, and particularly the roof, contact a pro who can remove threatening branches quickly.

6- Fireplace Maintenance

Last but not least, if you have a gas or wood fireplace in your home, you’ll need to have it serviced before use.

 A technician will ensure proper ventilation.

If you have a gas fireplace, there’s a need to double-check that none of the hoses are leaking. Having a pro inspect your fireplace is essential to the health and safety of your home and family. Fireplaces are usually the source of gas leaks and can even cause explosions.

After completing these six projects, you can rest assured that your house will be well-protected against the harsh winter elements. While you’re busy hosting in-laws and wrapping gifts, let us take care of the heavy lifting.

 The temperature is quickly creeping towards zero so don’t hesitate to contact a pro today!