ADVICE | CALGARYISM
5 WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR THE COLDER SEASONS #3 – SEAL UP AIR LEAKS
CODY BATTERSHILL With Fall and Winter upon us, it’s a good idea to begin thinking about how we can protect our homes from the cold. Here are a few simple, yet affordable ways you can prepare your home for chilly temperatures this coming Fall and Winter. #1 – CLEAR YOUR GUTTERS
Your roof’s drainage system diverts water from your house’s exterior and foundation walls, so it’s vital to keep this system clear and in check. Clogged gutters can result in damaged exterior surfaces and water seeping into the basement, issues that could be made much worse by freezing temperatures and expanding ice. #2 – INSPECT YOUR ROOF
A leaky roof could turn from an annoyance into a disaster real quick once the chilly snowfall and winter winds are here. So first, perform a roof inspection, checking the integrity of ridge shingles and metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Also, look at your gutters for accumulations of granules, a sign that your shingles are deteriorating. Ensure you then take the necessary steps to fix any leaks in your roof before it’s too late, and please, always make sure to use the proper safety equipment and procedures while performing any of these tasks! 30 New Home + Condo Guide | Sept. 17–Oct. 15, 2021
Gaps in caulk and weatherstripping let cold air into your home, shooting up heating costs when it gets chilly outside. Inspect any windows and doors for air drafts that could be prevented with the right supplies from your local home department store. Ask a representative at the store for their advice on which caulking/ weatherstripping would work best given your situation at home. #4 – PROTECT FAUCETS AND WATER SYSTEMS
Calgary weather is more than cold enough to burst your pipes if water remains in outdoor faucets and irrigation systems. These systems can also be expensive to replace when damaged by ice, so make sure that you clear them well in advance before freezing temperatures are here. In Calgary, it could be below zero well before Halloween, so it’s always best to do this task as soon as you can! #5 – CHECK YOUR FURNACE
Furnace filters trap dust that would otherwise be distributed throughout your house. Clogged filters make it difficult for your furnace to regulate your home’s temperature, thus increasing your energy bills. Clean your filters every four to six weeks (vacuums work well) to ensure your furnace is operating at maximum capacity, and replace the filters at least every three months. Also, consider getting your furnace inspected by a professional who will look for things like overall performance, noisy belts and
erratic behaviour. Make sure to book well in advance! Maintain Your Home’s Value Preparing your home for the cold will help to better maintain its value over the long run, and you’ll be in a better off position when it’s time to sell your property in Calgary. It takes only a few moments to perform many of these tasks listed above, and you’ll be happy you did! Wishing you and your family all the best! Cody Battershill is the founder of Calgaryism and a top producing Realtor® at RE/MAX House of Real Estate. Born and raised in Calgary, Cody has a passion for helping his clients accomplish their real estate goals and loves to show off the best that Calgary has to offer! He can be reached at 403.370.4008, on Twitter @ Calgaryism and Calgaryism.ca
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