Is Your Home Winter Ready?

Is your home winter ready?

By Valerie Fraser

As the weather begins to dip into the negative digits, we all start to pull our winter coats, toques, mitts and scarves out of storage. As you get yourself prepared for winter, don’t forget to also get your home winter ready. Steve Fraser, Owner/Inspector at A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections in Medicine Hat and SW Saskatchewan, assists and educates his clients on effective winter property maintenance tips that will help preserve the lifespan of the properties and save them money in the future.

“A home inspection isn’t just about protecting your investment, but also about protecting you and your family,” says Fraser, who is a licensed professional property inspector as well as a certified WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) inspector. “Our inspections provide the homeowner with a customized home maintenance schedule as a way to assist them in maintaining the value of their investment.”

According to Fraser, cleaning gutters with downspouts and downspout extensions is vital to ensure that when the snow melts on the roof it is able to travel away from the home. Fraser says if the water is not allowed to travel away from the home, blockages in the drainage system can create stagnant water that can freeze and thaw, which will eventually cause unnecessary wear to the shingles, which can cause leaking into the home.

Fraser also suggests homeowners check their attics for proper ventilation.

“During colder months, there’s an increased risk of moisture within a home’s attic space. If given a pathway, warm, moist air finds its way into the attic and condenses before it’s able to exhaust through various venting systems,” explains Fraser. “The harsh, cold temperatures turn this condensation into frost and, as the weather warms up, the frost melts and can cause serious damage to the sheathing, roof framing, insulation, and living space below.”

Additionally, Fraser encourages homeowners to conduct a walk-around of the home's exterior with an outdoor sealant. “If you find a worn out or cracked sealant at the windows or holes on the exterior, it is best to seal those areas,” Fraser says. “This home maintenance routine will pay off in avoiding leaks into the house.”

Not sure how to accomplish some of your winter home maintenance tasks? Not to worry. Fraser and his team at A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections are the experts in providing personalized property consultations. However, for those more keen on DIY, here are a few tips on how to save time, money, and frustration this winter.

Furnace and heating systems

“Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during high usage season to reduce energy costs. It is also beneficial to switch thermostats out for programmable options. Ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilator filters, should be checked every two months.”

Hot water tanks

“After consulting your hot water tank owner’s manual, drain off a dishpan full of water from the clean-out valve at the bottom of your hot water tank to control sediment and maintain efficiency.”

Faucets

“Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as needed. Faucets requiring frequent replacement of washers may be in need of repair or replacement.”

Prevent pipe freezing

“Have your underground sprinkler systems blown out and winterized, and exterior faucets and water lines drained and insulated.

Prepare winter essentials

“Locate snow removal tools, such as snow shovels, plows, and snow blowers. Make sure they are ready to go.”

Electrical cords

“Check electrical cords, plugs, and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety. If showing signs of wear, or if plugs/cords feel warm, replace immediately.”

Steve and his team at A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections are available for a winter home consultation to ensure that your home is winter-ready!

Contact Steve at 403.878.7580 and check out A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections website for great home maintenance tips at www.abuyerschoice.com/medicinehat.