Winterproofing your home can take a lot of planning and organization, so the earlier you start thinking about it, the better.
Each house will have different requirements, but there are some core areas that everyone must think of. Most people can do some of these tasks, but some require professional help.
Being prepared can make winter more accessible for homeowners. Having the right tools is essential. Ensure you have a shovel to clear pathways and dig out your car.
After clearing paths, it’s a great idea to lay some grit. Grit helps dissolve ice and also provides traction for people walking.
This may be a dreaded chore for most, but clean gutters are important when winter comes! When gutters are clogged with leaves and branches, it can be hard for water to flow away, which can then overflow to the ground below.
If the problem gets bad enough, the pooling water can leak down into the home’s foundation. In the colder winter months, the pooling water in the drain pipes can freeze. This puts a lot of stress on the drainpipes and can cause them to sag and pull away from the house.
Water expands when frozen. This can destroy the plumbing system if you aren’t prepared. It is vital that you shut off the water supply to any outdoor tap by October. Replacing your plumbing would be expensive, so make sure this is top of your to-do list!
Before winter comes, it’s important to make sure that no trees or bushes are rubbing against your home. During winter storms, vegetation can rub against the brickwork and facade, causing costly damage.
Large branches have been known to fall off trees and damage roofs. An easy preventative measure, like pruning, can go a long way toward preventing this.
Heat management is key to keeping your home warm all winter long. A good insulation system will prevent heat from escaping, making your home a more comfortable place to be and helping keep utility bills low.
Did you know that 30-35% of heat in the home is lost through the roof? Fibreglass is a popular material for insuring roof spaces. It is easy to lay and effective, but it can cause itching if exposed to bare skin. Foam sprays can be used to retrofit walls with insulation. These sprays expand when they enter the wall cavity and provide fantastic insulation.
Heat can escape from the smallest gaps. In most homes, these small gaps are found in windows and door frames. A quick fix for heat escaping through door frames is using a heavy-duty door draft stopper.
If this doesn’t fix the problem, you should consider installing a new airtight door and frame with an insulated core. Older windows can also be replaced. Triple-glazed windows with an Energy Star certification will provide fantastic insulation.
All furnace owners should complete annual checks. Not only will this make your furnace safer, but it will also be more efficient and cost-effective. It’s a good idea to inspect your furnace filters and replace them regularly and consistently. Lint and dust can also build up, so keeping an eye on this is essential. If you don’t feel comfortable taking this task on yourself, plenty of industry professionals can service your furnace for you.
If you have any questions or concerns about winter-proofing your house, why not contact the experts? RDC Fine Homes has been in business for 26 years and has built homes that will last for many, many winters to come.
Enjoy? Share with your friends!
We specialize in building custom homes and renovations in the picturesque Sea-to-Sky Corridor, including Whistler, Squamish, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Pemberton.
