Be prepared! Winter is on it’s way to the Okanagan

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Having your home prepared for the upcoming winter is a great way to avoid high energy bills and prevent possible water and fire damage. Here are some “must” maintenance tips to get your home ready:

• Inspect your roof
  • Replace bent, cracked or missing shingles. Don’t forget to pay attention to areas around skylights, chimneys and vents.
• Clean gutters
  • Clear the gutters of leaves, dirt and debris to allow rainwater or melting snow to drain properly. This will prevent water spilling over the sides, possibly causing ice dams and potentially getting into your home's foundation.
• Turn off outdoor faucets and disconnect garden hose(s)
  • Turn the water off to outdoor faucets, as well as disconnect your garden hose. Run the tap after to drain as much of the water as possible to prevent freezing. Don’t forget to store your hose in a place away from the elements.
• Inspect your home exterior for cracks and drafts
  • Check your home exterior for cracks or gaps and properly seal them. Ensure you check all entry points.
• Check and replace smoke alarms
  • Check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working. You should have one on each level of your home.