Preparing your home well for winter

 Preparing your home well for winter
 

 
Gusts, large amounts of snow and sub-freezing temperatures associated with winter are normal and are well-anticipated features of Canadian winters. However, winter weather events combined with a lack of preparation can lead to property damage, freezing plugging and flooding. With proper preparation, it is possible to mitigate the consequences of the winter climate on your home.

The following checklist, while not exhaustive, can be an effective tool in preparing for winter. The topics discussed here should be viewed by homeowners as aids in preparing for the potential effects of winter.

Building and structure

The importance of properly maintaining buildings when preparing for winter should not be underestimated. Be on the lookout for any signs of damage that may have affected your building structure. Pay special attention to damaged roofs that may need to be replaced and take note of areas that can be potentially unstable during inclement winter weather.
Inspect building extensions or any new roof element that may increase the risk of snowdrifts forming. Excessive accumulation of snow can increase the weight supported by roof structures (air conditioners, fan casings, antennas) and cause it to collapse. Snow drifts are likely to form in the following places:
at the intersections of high and low roofs;
the depressions between two double-pitched roofs; and
at the intersections of roof and roof mounted equipment.
Keep roofs in good repair, for example by repairing leaks and making sure that the cover strips are in place.
Check that anything installed on the roof is secure and protected from damage in strong wind.
All openings in the building must be weatherproof and not allow cold air to pass through which could subsequently cause the water pipes to freeze.
Check that gutters and downspouts are securely attached to buildings, that they are not clogged with leaves and debris, and that water is flowing away from the building.
Make sure that trees that could fall if loaded with wet snow or ice do not overhang buildings.
Check that the floor drains near your home are not blocked by leaves and debris, snow or ice.
Make sure sump pumps are running and have monitored alarms and battery backup.
Know the location of all water shut-off valves in the event of a broken hose.
Heaters

Water heaters, boilers and other heating appliances should be inspected and maintained in accordance with regulatory and manufacturer guidelines. Winter storms can lead to power outages that could turn off your heating system. If so, pipes filled with water can freeze and explode. Your checklist should include the following:
Make sure that scheduled repairs (including maintenance in preparation for winter) of all of the following equipment are completed: water heaters, boilers, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Emptying the radiators.
Safe storage of flammable materials, away from heating devices.
Shutting off water supplies and draining tanks during prolonged power outages when the temperature inside the building is at risk of dropping below freezing. When it is not possible to drain the pipes (that is, the heater pipes), it may be necessary to provide backup heat.
Snow removal

Plowing snow from sidewalks, stairs and driveways reduces the risk of falls and slips. It is also recommended that you do the following:
Have an adequate supply of shovels, sand and salt on hand.
Make sure all snow removal equipment is working properly.
Consider using the services of a snow removal contractor for all snow removal work or to help during snowstorms.
Be sure to maintain access to fire hydrants.
Monitor the amount of snow on the roof.
Address the issue of downpipes that can create icy surfaces on paths or move them.