Home and Lifestyle:
Winter is coming: do these six things.
As the beautiful colours of fall roll in, so do the cooler temperatures and the need for homeowners to prepare their properties for the approaching winter. Proper outdoor home maintenance in the fall not only protects your investment but also helps prevent costly repairs down the road. In Ottawa, where the winters can be particularly harsh, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of outdoor maintenance tasks to tackle before the first snowfall.
1. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Ottawa’s trees look gorgeous in the fall, but fallen leaves can clog your gutters and downspouts, leading to potential water damage. Before the first frost, clear out any debris to ensure that water drains properly from your roof. If the gutters are clogged when the snow melts, it can cause ice damming and leaks, which are expensive to repair.
Pro tip: Consider installing gutter guards to minimize clogging from leaves and twigs. We can recommend a professional to do this.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
With Ottawa’s freezing temperatures on the horizon, it’s essential to seal any gaps around windows and doors. Check for cracks or gaps that could let cold air in and warm air out. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these areas. This simple step will reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills during the colder months.
3. Inspect and Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Freezing temperatures can damage outdoor plumbing if left unprotected. Be sure to turn off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain the lines to prevent freezing and bursting. If you have any outdoor irrigation systems, make sure to drain and blow them out as well.
Pro tip: Invest in frost-free faucets or insulated faucet covers for added protection during Ottawa’s deep freezes.
4. Rake and Compost Leaves
While it can be tempting to leave fallen leaves on your lawn, doing so can smother your grass and lead to bare patches come spring. Rake up leaves and consider composting them. You’ll get great organic matter for your garden next year, and your lawn will thank you for the breathing room.
5. Check Your Roof and Chimney
Before the snow piles up, it’s important to inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. A small roof leak can turn into a major problem once the snow begins to melt. If you have a fireplace, now is also a good time to have your chimney cleaned and inspected for any cracks or blockages.
6. Maintain the Snowblower
Many of us in Ottawa are snowblower-owners. Late September is a great time to change the oil on your snowblower and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s manual. That way, you can be sure that it’ll start on the first pull when you need it the most this winter.
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