Winterizing your home and cottage
To prepare your home or cottage for the winter season and to avoid unpleasant surprises, several precautions are necessary.
It can sometimes seem like a huge chore, and we’re often afraid of forgetting important things, so here’s a list to help you prepare your home or cottage for the winter.
Insulation and waterproofing
Make sure your attic, walls and windows are well insulated to prevent heat loss. Add insulation if necessary.
Check doors and windows for air leaks, and seal or weather-strip them as needed.
Insulate pipes that run through unheated spaces (basements, crawl spaces) to prevent freezing and bursting.
Outside dampers, such as those for the dryer, kitchen hood or bathroom should also be double-checked in the fall. They need to be cleared of dirt and dust that may have accumulated during the year. And don’t forget to install screens to keep out small rodents seeking warmth.
Fire hazards
Have your heating system serviced by a professional to keep it running smoothly.
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have the chimney swept to reduce the risk of fire. This will not only make it more efficient, but also much safer.
Before you spark up your fireplace for the first time, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working and that the top of your chimney is clear. This is an important part of preparing your home or cottage for winter.
You can also install programmable thermostats to optimize heating while you’re away. If you plan to use your barbecue during the winter, remember to keep it a safe distance away from the house. Always store your grill’s propane tank outside, in an upright position, and make sure the valve is closed.
Protection against water damage
Drain outdoor pipes and turn off water supply to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
Clean your gutters: remove leaves and other debris to prevent the formation of ice dams on the roof.
Make sure your sump pump is working properly to prevent basement flooding during winter thaws or rains.
Maintenance of roof and outbuildings
To prepare your home for winter, check your roof for damaged shingles. If necessary, repair them to prevent water infiltration. Make sure the roof can support the weight of the snow.
Inspect trees and prune branches that could fall on the house under the weight of snow or ice.
If you have a shed or outbuildings, check to see if they need to be reinforced or stabilized to prevent them from buckling under the weight of snow.
Preparing windows and doors
If you have storm windows, install them for extra protection against the cold.
Make sure that all windows close tightly and that locking systems work properly to prevent air infiltration.
Alternative energy sources
In the event of a power outage, a generator may be essential to maintain heat and lighting.
If you have one, make sure it’s in good condition and working properly. If you heat with wood, make sure you have enough for the season.
Winter safety equipment
Make sure your snow blower is in good working order and that you have enough salt or sand for the driveways and walkways.
If you have a gas stove, check that the air intakes and exhaust pipes are clear to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Outside
Maybe you’d prefer to have someone else handle snow removal? If this is the case, make arrangements ahead of time for a service to access your home or cottage, especially if you plan to visit regularly.
Cover your patio furniture and other outdoor equipment, or move them inside, to protect them from snow and cold.
Check outdoor lights to make sure they’re still working. If necessary, install new bulbs right away; you’ll be glad you won’t have to do it in the freezing cold!
Well-lit walkways are much safer after dark, especially when it’s slippery. These precautions will help you avoid unfortunate surprises during the harsh Québec winter.
Securing the inside of the house during long absences (for the cottage)
Turn off the main water supply and drain the pipes if you are not using your cottage during the winter.
Set your thermostats to a minimum temperature (usually around 10°C) to prevent water from freezing in the pipes.
If possible, have a neighbour or a monitoring service visit the cottage regularly to detect any problems.
For peace of mind during the winter
Preparing your home for winter is an important step to avoid the hassle and expense of unexpected issues. By taking the time to check insulation, heating systems, fire safety and water damage protection, you can rest assured of a worry- free winter.
These measures will not only help protect your property but will also allow you to enjoy the winter season with peace of mind, whether you stay at home or visit your cottage regularly.
Keep this list as a reference and don’t hesitate to contact your insurance broker if you have any questions.
