First of all, a well-maintained roof will be very important under varying winter conditions. Whether you are having your roof inspected by a professional or you are doing it yourself, it is commonly recommended that you inspect it at least twice a year. With that said, when examining the roof, some key signs to look for include, any loose or missing shingles or any other wear and tear you can notice. Having these areas replaced prior to the winter is best, as sleet, ice, and snow can all lead to further and more expensive repairs down the line.

The heating systems you rely on during the colder weather should also be taken into account when preparing for the winter. Having your furnace cleaned, including the filters replaced regularly will help to ensure your furnace will be working properly, especially when keeping up with the demands of the cold temperatures. It is also suggested that you have your furnace assessed each year by a professional as this can give you more peace of mind that your home will be well-heated during this winter.

Additionally, it is just as equally necessary to have your fireplace and chimney cleaned regularly and again, definitely before the colder weather arrives. In the case of a chimney, it is important to check that it is not blocked by any debris. A professional is also best suited to come in and check that your gas fireplace and/or wood fireplace are in working order and that you are safe to begin using it to help heat your space.

Prior to winter, it is also best to check your windows and doors for any potential drafts. You can take steps to add more caulking and weather stripping to these areas to help fill these gaps. By making sure there are no openings around doors and windows, this helps to ensure that the heat is not escaping and instead, remaining inside your home where it belongs.

If you haven’t already done so, it is also a good idea to put away any of your outdoor furniture and other items. While some items, for example those made of metal, can be stored outside during the winter, you should still consider covering them and protecting them from the harsh winter elements. Other outdoor items, such as wicker and plastic patio furniture should be kept indoors whenever possible, as these materials will not hold up well when coming into contact with ice and snow. Taking steps to protect these items will mean that when the warmer seasons return, you can continue to enjoy them again, without needing to spend additional money to have them replaced.

Last, but not least, having the necessary winter gear on hand will also be an important part of your winter home readiness plan. With Canadian winters being somewhat unpredictable at times, it is best to have theses supplies at the ready, so you can muster through the winter season without scrambling to go out and purchase these items at the last minute.

Depending on what province and region you are living in, it is important to have the right winter gear on hand. For starters, having trust snow shovels and winter salt are a good place to start. If you are driving regularly this winter, then you will also want to have de-icer, snow brushes and scrappers to help prepare your car for safe winter driving. In the event, we have ‘snow days’ and are not able to leave the home, having some extra food stored and household supplies on hand, can also be highly beneficial during the winter months.

Finally, the proper home insurance will also help! In the event, there is any damage to your home, with the right insurance, you can rest assured that you are protected from any added future home repair-related expenses.

Contact Leaders Insurance to find out more about our home insurance policies, while helping to make sure you and your home are well prepared to cope with the wintry conditions that await us once again this year.