For the Canadian homeowner, winter is an inevitable reality. Whether you view the white fluffy stuff as a friend or foe, it’s important to make sure your home is prepared for whatever the season may bring. Not only will proper winter home maintenance ensure your home is a comfortable space for you and your family throughout the winter months, it’s also a good way to maintain the value of your home too.
Common Home Issues Due to Poor Winter Maintenance
Frozen Pipes |
Roof Leaks |
Air Leaks |
Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can have a big impact on your home, causing new issues or exacerbating existing ones. From top to bottom, here are some of the main areas of your home that can be damaged by the winter elements.
Roof & Attic |
Roof & AtticWith a well-maintained roof, the elements will simply glide off the roof and into the appropriate areas. If you have an aging roof that has missing or broken shingles, melted snow and ice can leak through the crevices and into your home. In severe cases, the excess weight of the snow or ice could cause a roof with structural damage to cave in or collapse. |
Gutters & Eavestroughs |
Gutters & EavestroughsEavestroughs filled with debris can result in poor drainage when snow and ice start to melt. The liquid accumulating in these areas can then seep into your home and the exterior structure. |
Pipes |
PipesWhen the temperatures dip, residual water left in pipes can freeze causing them to potentially burst. This can lead to water damage in and surrounding your home that can be costly to repair. |
Heating System |
Heating SystemA home’s heating system will be used for extended periods of time during the winter. If things like the furnace and ducts haven’t been maintained, an overworked system that’s not well maintained may breakdown. |
Basement |
BasementDuring the winter, your basement is more susceptible to water damage from melting snow and ice. This can be caused by improper grading of the surrounding areas or damaged or blocked downspouts causing water to flow towards your home rather than away from it. |
How to Protect and Increase Your Home’s Value
There are many factors that impact the value of your home, also known as your home equity, and the overall condition of your home is one of those factors. Winter-proofing your home is one way to help make sure your home is protected from the elements and to maintain or increase your property value.
Keep Consistent with Home Maintenance
No matter the season, consistent inspections and repairs will maintain a home’s structural integrity and overall appeal. When you approach home maintenance as a year-round task and budget accordingly it’s much more manageable. Another benefit of preventative maintenance is that it is typically less expensive than emergency repairs. Rather than waiting until you’re ready to sell your home or re-finance your mortgage and tackling a long list of repairs, staying on top of home repairs will mean your home is always in great condition.
4 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter
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Seal & Secure: Ensure windows and doors are well-sealed to prevent heat loss and that the exterior of your home is adequately waterproofed to avoid water damage. |
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Foundation Check: Before the first snowfall of the season, schedule a professional to inspect your roof and foundation to make sure everything is in good condition. If there are things that need repair, a professional can determine if they are things that need immediate attention or can wait until the spring. |
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Upgrade Your Systems: Heating your home in the winter can get expensive. One way to save on energy costs is to invest in an energy-efficient thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you’ll be able to adjust the temperature in your home remotely and customize a heating schedule, so it only runs while your home is occupied. |
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Adequately Insulated: When it comes to insulation, don’t let the saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ leave you unprepared. Proper insulation, especially in your attic and basement, reduces heating and cooling costs by preventing heat from escaping during the winter months and cool air from leaving in the summer. |
Your Home is Worth the Investment
When it comes to home maintenance, each season has tasks that need to be attended to — but taking care of your home doesn’t need to be daunting! By following these simple tips to prepare for the upcoming winter season you’re investing in the value of your home. Another way to invest in the value of your home and gain peace of mind is with MCAP’s Home Service Plan. Find out how this affordable coverage can make homeownership even easier!
