Prepping for the next season is often a necessary project in every house. You need to take care of numerous things to stay prepared for harsh, changing weather. These could include getting a wardrobe modification according to the weather conditions, stocking up eating supplies, getting your vehicle checked, etc.
If we talk about winter, apart from getting warm clothes, what else should you do once the winter season approaches? We advise you to look around your house for maintenance needs that may give you a hard time during the cold weather.
Our houses shelter us. However, if they are not well-maintained, they may break down and cause trouble. For example, if you fail to fix leaks in your roof, it may split during heavy rains, destroying your house belongings. People from Alberta often face extreme weather conditions and prepare themselves well before the time falls. A temperature of -40 degrees can disrupt all activities of both indoor and outdoor venues.
To avoid any hassle and significant damages, consider the following seven inevitable home maintenance tasks for the winter season:
PREPARE AN EMERGENCY SURVIVAL KIT
Getting stuck at home when a storm strikes is a problematic situation. It can quickly worsen if you do not have the necessary supplies to stay in and survive at home. Power outages may also follow severe storms, which only further highlights the necessity of having an emergency survival kit.
Stock some non-perishable food supplies, torchlights, a first-aid kit, some bottled water, and whatever you think will help in such an emergency. Also, our phones are the only connection we have with the outside world today. Therefore, keeping a battery backup may prove immensely helpful if you are stuck and have a dying phone on you.
GET YOUR SNOW REMOVAL TOOLS READY
Snow is a constant feature of the winter season in certain areas. And some countries get way more snow than usual which can create troubles for people in their daily activities. For example, consider you live in Calgary, Canada, where nine out of the twelve months are considered the snowfall period.
Having the right tools is necessary to remove the snow piles. And this is why professional services and assistance regarding snow removal in Calgary AB remain in demand throughout the season.
However, to remove the snow yourself, you need snow-blowers, shovels, and other helpful tools to ease the process. Consider stocking these near the entryways for easy access.
INSPECT YOUR HEATING SYSTEMS FOR ANY PROBLEMS
You would not want to freeze yourself during winters in case your heating system breaks down. If you fail to inspect it before using it, problems can damage it significantly. Consider examining your heating system before entirely using it during the extreme snowy season. It could involve getting the system cleaned each year before use, checking the pipes for any obstruction, etc.
CHECK THE ROOF FOR SEEPAGES
Having to manage a leaking roof is the worst! It can destroy your furniture and belongings before you get them fixed. If the leaks are severe, they can also overflow and damage your interiors.
Therefore, you should conduct a thorough roof inspection before the cold season hits. You should also look for and mend any breaks or weak spots that could potentially turn into leaks later. During rainy seasons the water can easily seep in through leaks. Whereas, after a snowfall, melting snow can result in water drips.
TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT THE FORMATION OF ICE DAMS:
If you have a slanting rooftop, ice dams may form around the roof edge during winter. Melting ice may slide down and freeze over the edges creating icicles. One way to prevent this from happening is to have a proper heating and insulation system in place.
Moreover, you could also rake accumulated ice off the roof. If you wish to invest a little more money rather than physical effort, consider getting heating cables that prevent the snow from freezing around the roof edge.
EXAMINE YOUR HOUSE FOR ANY AIR LEAKS:
During overly harsh winters, your heating systems are of critical importance. And for them to function adequately, you must keep your house well-sealed. Any air leaks around doors or windows can place a burden on your heating system. And eventually, may damage it.
Make a point to inspect your weatherstripping for any cracks or damages. If you currently do not have one, consider investing in weatherstripping for your home, which helps provide a seamless seal to your house structure.
SAVE THE OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND PLANTERS:
It seems nice to have a comfy couch in your backyard where you can lay down and chill on a summer day. However, during snow season, having outdoor furniture may not be a wise idea. You could cover the outdoor furniture with a heavy tarp to avoid damage or move it indoors if you have space. Moreover, pots and planters can crack during intense low temperatures. Consider cleaning them and moving them indoors as well till the winter season is over.
Also Read: 21+ Cozy Hammock & Hang-Out Ideas for Your Indoor and Outdoor.
CONCLUSION:
Each season has its charm and beauty. The summers are warm and perfect for beach trips, whereas winters call for snuggly blankets and hot chocolate drinks. Along with the usual excitement of a forthcoming season, one should always stay up-to-date on the practical requirements of surviving different weathers. The winter season brings with it snowstorms and freezing temperatures.
It would be best to make a checklist of all the necessary things you need to do before the season hits. Whatever you do, remember never to ignore the seven most home maintenance tasks we mentioned above. They are a lifesaver and will make sure you spend a remorse-free winter season!