Protect Your Home From Harsh Winter Weather

January 24, 2020 | Posted by: Kelleway Mortgage Architects

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, but the onslaught of heavy snow and fast winds can do serious damage to your house. The best way to avoid disaster is to prepare ahead of time. Here’s a checklist of ways to protect your home from the elements:

Proof your roof

Check your roof for cracked shingles or holes that could cause leaks and repair them before the snow build ups. Be sure to clear any nearby trees or branches that could fall on your roof and cause damage in a storm. Call a local professional to clear the snow off your roof after a significant snowfall. The weight of snow buildup could cause your roof to cave in.

Clean the gutters

Ice dams are clusters of ice that build up in your gutters or downspouts. They happen when the heat of your home melts snow on the roof and pushes the water into the gutter where it freezes. Ice dams can cause water to leak into your home, creating a nasty mess. Keep your gutters empty of sticks, leaves and other debris to allow the water to flow off your roof after a big snowfall.

Batten down the hatches

High winds in a blizzard can send patio furniture, outdoor accessories and decorations flying. In a worst case scenario, the flying objects can damage siding or windows, allowing the snow in and the heat out. Make sure any outdoor furniture or objects are securely anchored to your deck or house or bring them inside when a storm is in the forecast.

Check your walls, doors and windows

Even a small crack can cause significant problems in stormy winter weather. Check your exterior walls and foundation for any sign of cracking and do repairs before the snow flies. If you have older doors and windows, consider replacing them with energy efficient ones. Place weather stripping around windows and doors to make sure they’re sealed as the snow starts piling up.

Keep vents clear

Even if you can’t find the energy to shovel your driveway, be sure to dig out the area around exterior vents attached to your furnace, hot water heater or even drier. If these vents become blocked by snow, it can cause deadly carbon monoxide to build up inside. It’s not mandatory in all provinces, but be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector in your home for extra peace of mind.