(NC) As Canadians, we are fortunate to experience
nature's splendour through all four seasons. However, extra steps need
to be taken to protect your home against damage that could be incurred
with cold temperatures, ice and snow.
“Preparing your home for old man winter's arrival
will help you to protect your investment,” says Royal LePage broker
Carla Bouchard. “A few simple steps can restore your peace of mind and
have your home winter-ready.” Bouchard recommends the following tips for
winter home preparation:
1. Clean out your gutters and install gutter guards.
Reduce the chance of an ice dam by removing debris from your gutters.
Ice dams form when indoor heat melts the ice on your roof. If there is
nowhere for the melted ice to flow, it will collect in your gutters and
re-freeze, causing potential water damage when warmer temperatures
return. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation also recommends
using electrical de-icing cables or low-corrosion chemical de-icers.
2. Use a chimney sweep service at least once per year.
Many Canadians enjoy a crackling fire on cold winter nights. Chimney
sweep services remove soot, blockages and any accumulating creosote, a
highly flammable substance, from your chimney, thereby reducing the
potential for a chimney fire.
3. Protect pipes located near the exterior of your home.
Frozen pipes are one of the most common problems caused by freezing
temperatures. It is important to ensure that pipes running through your
garage or other exterior areas are well insulated. If you plan to be
away, set your thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit and open cupboards
under your sinks to allow heat to flow through. You can find more
information at
www.newscanada.com
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