It’s that time of year! Halloween decorations are getting put up, the weather is cooling down, and, if you’re an Alberta homeowner, you’re thinking about what needs to get done to prepare your home for winter.
At Spring Lake Ranch, we like to get a head start on winterizing our homes. This makes for a worry-free winter when it comes to home maintenance as well as an easier transition to spring, This year, we’re sharing our “To Do” list for winterizing your home to help ease the process. Keep this guide handy and let us know if you have any questions! (Email Sarah Corker at scorker@springlakeranch.ca.)
1. Walk the Perimeter of Your Home’s Exterior
New homes typically settle within the first three years. Check for signs of settling and address these before the season’s first freeze. Ensure that water is draining away from your home properly, and drain rain barrels so they do not crack due to to frozen rainwater. Make sure hoses are disconnected and put away and all hose bibs are turned off. Lastly, check stairs, paths and railings for safety. When the ground gets slippery, falls are more likely, so ensure all footing is even and rails are sturdy.
2. Clear your Downspouts and Eaves
Removing tree leaves and needles and other debris will help prevent ice damning. And once winter arrives, remember to remove snow from the roof of your home with a roof rake regularly!
3. Clean the Windows
This is best done sooner than later, before it’s too cold for the task! Clean windows will help brighten those long winter months.
4. Clean your Furnace
Over the summer when it’s not running, your furnace collects dust which, if not cleaned prior, gets blown through the house once it gets going! Prevent this by making your annual furnace cleaning occur every fall.
5. Have your Wood-burning Fireplace Cleaned and Gas Fireplace checked
Chimney buildup can be hazardous, so regular cleaning by a certified chimney sweep is important.
6. Prevent Frozen Pipes
Insulate the pipes near windows, doors and in unheated parts of your home. And remember to keep the heat set no lower than 13 degrees celsius when you’re away.
7. Prevent Cold Drafts
This is essential for maximizing your home’s energy efficiency. Repair caulking as needed around doors, windows, air vents and outside faucets. Check weatherstripping on windows and doors and seal any cracks in foundation walls.
8. Protect Your Entryway
A thick floor mat with rug pad underneath to keep it in place will help stave off the wear that wet and snowy boots can cause on your floors. Keep a boot scraper outside to remove snow and debris from footwear, and place a waterproof tray in the entryway for shoe storage.
Follow these steps, and you can rest easy this winter knowing you’re home is prepared for the season.
Until then…enjoy the rest of fall! The scenery has been truly stunning at SLR this year. (The recent winds scattered a lot of the leaves but there are still some fall colours lingering.) The crisp air is lovely for walking our Lake and Ravine trails. We welcome you to take a drive out and explore the area!
Interested in viewing one of these featured homes For Sale? Contact Sarah Corker at 780.288.9767 or scorker@springlakeranch.ca.