Don’t let winter sneak up on you

Winnipeg

Balmy is not typically a word Winnipeggers associate with September, but the last couple weeks have shown some connection between the two. Don’t be fooled, though. Trick or treats, mitts and toques and icy roads are just around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to prepare your home for winter because hours of prep now can save you weeks of headaches down the road.

Starting with the outside, be sure to gather up any and all patio furniture or outdoor apparatuses that could rust or bend with heavy snowfall. The snowstorms Winnipeg has seen the past several years should be a reminder to trim any branches that could snap off and damage your house or garden.

Next, think about freezing water and where you don’t want it to be. Cover and insulate any pipes in unheated areas like attics or basements. Drain your hoses and move them indoors and cover immovable outdoor water fixtures with the help of a spigot from your local hardware store.

A quick survey of your roof will help you identify any damaged shingles that need repair. This one is extremely important. If left alone, water and ice can create interior damage. While you’re up high, clean out your gutters. If you’re unsure how to do any of this, you can consult a trusted roofing contractor in your area. To avoid scams and dishonest businesses, use bbb.org to check their third-party ratings.

Moving closer to the house, be sure to do a quick visual check of your garage. It may not have been a problem during the summer, but during the winter, rodents and other animals will try to squeak through any hole for shelter and a bit of warmth. While you’re in there, take inventory of your garage contents. Is there any re-organization you’d like to get done while you don’t have to wear a parka to do it? Identify and dig out your snow shovels, hockey sticks and tuck away anything inside that won’t be able to tolerate a Manitoba winter in the garage (your golf clubs might thank you later).

Before the winter cold descends, it’s a good time to examine the creases of your windows and doors. If you suspect they’re letting in cold air, it may be time to repair or replace. Again, no one expects you to be an expert and you can find one in your area that you can trust through bbb.org. You can also save money by taking advantage of provincial rebate programs through Efficiency Manitoba.

If it’s been awhile since anyone has looked at your HVAC system, it might be time to call an expert. A check-up can identify any issues before they become disasters or maintenance you may have forgotten or put off. While you’re in the basement, be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. The basement detectors are often forgotten but are crucial to home safety.

This warm weather has been lovely for one last weekend of camping or taking the bike for a spin, but fitting in some home maintenance tasks is also something you’ll thank yourself for later.