Avoiding Winter Hazards
Love it or hate it, the coming of winter poses unique hazards to your home property. Here are a few tips on how to winterize:
Preventing water damage
Bleed your outdoor water faucets and insulate your pipes to avoid burst pipes. Your pipes need this precaution no matter what type of faucet you have. Most outdoor faucets have an indoor shut off, usually found right behind the faucet. Look for them near the ceiling, close to the location of the faucet.
Reduce your heating costs and risks
Have your furnace inspected by a professional HVAC technician for safety and efficiency. If you use wood heat, ensure you have enough wood or pellets to get through the season.
Protect outdoor structures and equipment
Give your deck an extra coat of sealer for protection from harsh weather and rapid temperature changes. Cover perennials with mulch and/or straw in garden beds and wrap vulnerable shrubs to prevent damage from heavy ice and snow.
Secure any outdoor equipment, such as lawnmowers and barbecues, as well as entertainment systems and hot tubs. Preferably, move your gear indoors or ask your service shop about how to prepare engines and electrical components for winter.
Security at the cottage
Take all the same steps as you would at home, plus a few more to account for your long absences.
While you prep your water lines, also add some antifreeze to the toilet tank.
RVs, Boats & ATVs
Marine craft and docks should be removed from the water if at all possible, so freezing water doesn’t close in and crush them.
If your ATVs or other recreational vehicles won’t be used for extended periods, prep them the same way you would treat your lawn & garden equipment.
Taking Extra Care
Preventing water damage
Tube insulation is made specifically for protecting exposed pipes; it’s easy to install near exterior walls, in the basement and under the sink.
If your pipes are likely to experience extreme cold, consider wrapping the pipes in heating tape. Different types are installed differently, so follow manufacturers’ instructions and be sure you have a GFI receptacle (ground fault interrupter) to plug it into.
Reduce your heating costs and risks
Replace your furnace filter monthly for maximum efficiency and air flow. Vacuum the vents and replace old thermostats with new programmable ones.
Test your CO (carbon monoxide) alarm and be sure to have one operating on every floor.
Protect outdoor structures and equipment
Shovel heavy snow off your roof to prevent dangerous loads, especially if it gets wet. To stop ice buildup, clear the snow anytime it gets over 14” deep.
Keep driveways, decks and doorways clear of ice and snow at all times to prevent costly slips & falls.
Security at the cottage
Don’t leave baseboard heaters turned on but if your heating system can run safely, keep the temps around 10°C to prevent freezing.
Arrange for a neighbour or friend to check on the cottage while you are away.
RVs, Boats & ATVs
Marine craft and docks should be removed from the water if at all possible, so freezing water doesn’t close in and crush them.