Winter Preparedness: Outside Your Home

It is hard to believe that we are already reaching the midway point of the month. It seems like time is moving faster and faster each year, and we want to make sure that your home is prepared for the winter months. So, before the temperatures on the prairies reach well below the freezing mark, it is important to tackle your to-do list. Today, let’s talk about getting the outside of your home ready for the arrival of winter. 

Clean your gutters 

Before we are knee deep in snow, it’s time to clean out your gutters. Be sure to remove all leaves, debris and other articles that might cause blockages to your gutters and downspouts. To prevent water from pooling around your home, it is essential to make sure that water flows freely away from the foundation of your home. The last thing you want to deal with in the middle of winter is a leak seeping into the walls and causing damage. 

While you are up on your ladder, cleaning the gutters, inspect your roof. Check for any damaged or missing shingles and replace or repair any issues to help prevent heat loss during the coming months. 

Check for cracks and gaps 

Heat is often lost through gaps and cracks around your doors and windows. Therefore, thoroughly inspect around these areas and, if needed, use caulking or weatherstripping to seal up any openings you find. Keeping your home warm and toasty is key, and completing this step will also improve energy efficiency, saving you money. 

Protect your pipes 

We are very aware of just how cold it gets on the prairies. To avoid potential damage, insulate exposed water pipes to prevent freezing. Trust us! You don’t want to deal with a burst pipe, which can cause serious issues for you and your home. Don’t forget to tend to outdoor faucets and any pipes that are in unheated spaces like your garage. 

Drain your hoses 

We have bid a fond farewell to our gardens and to watering our lawns for a while! Remove and drain your outdoor hoses before you store them away for the winter. If possible, put your hoses somewhere heated to help avoid damage. It is also important to shut off the water supply to your outdoor faucets until you need them again in the spring. 

A few other important things to keep in mind!  

Check your outdoor winter equipment, such as your snowblower. It is much easier to fix an issue in the mild weather than it is once the temperature dips well below zero. It’s also easier to purchase a new one, should you need it, before the first big snowfall! Also, check your outdoor lighting. As the days get shorter, and it becomes darker much earlier, you want to make sure that all of your lights are in good working condition so that you have a well-lit path. 

Putting in some time and effort into preparing your home for winter goes a long way. Be sure to stay tuned for our blog next week, where we will discuss our tips for getting the inside of your home ready for the coming months.