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How to prepare your home for winter

9 steps to prepare your home for the onset of winter and thus prevent damage to your home during the cold season.


During the winter months, your home could suffer unfortunate damage due to wind, cold and bad weather. In order to reduce the risk of damage, it is essential to leave nothing to chance when preparing your home for the cold season.

Inspect the exterior foundation

Inspect the exterior foundation of your home to ensure that it is in good condition. Make sure there are no cracks and, if you find any, seal them to prevent water infiltration or frost damage to the foundation.

Prevent your pipes from freezing

Remember to empty your hoses and store them well before the first frost. This step is very important because it will prevent frost from damaging your plumbing and causing major water damage.

Inspect your roof

Remember to check the condition of your roof. If you notice worn shingles, do not hesitate to contact a qualified roofer to inspect your roof to prevent water infiltration.

Clean out your gutters

Take the time to remove leaves and debris accumulated in your gutters so that the water can flow freely. Afterwards, make sure that nothing is blocking them and that the water does not drain towards your home. Finally, remember to check that your gutters are solidly anchored to prevent them from coming loose and causing damage to your home.

Check the condition of your fireplace

Before lighting your first fire, make sure that the top of your chimney is clear. To avoid the risk of fire, have your chimney swept by a qualified person and perform all necessary maintenance and cleaning. Also, remember to check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functional.

Secure your BBQ and propane tank

Whatever the season, always store your BBQ propane tank outside in an upright position and turn off the valve. If you plan to use your BBQ in the winter, remember to keep a reasonable distance from your home. If you want to store your BBQ for the cold season, see our article How to properly winterize your BBQ.

Prune your trees

Go around your property and check the general condition of the trees on it. If you see trees or branches that have health problems, check that they are not at risk of falling.

Install the structure of your temporary garage

Fall is a good time to fix the structure of your temporary garage since the ground is not yet frozen. When installing it, make sure that it is well anchored in the ground so that it can withstand winter weather conditions. As for the canvas, it is recommended you wait until after the first snowfall to install it. Throughout the winter, clear snow from your shelter to prevent it from collapsing under the weight of the snow and check the tension of the canvas, the anchors and the nuts.

Winterize your pool

Closing your pool is essential to protect it and allow you to enjoy it for many years. Freezing and bad weather can damage it and cause breakage, cracks and leaks. To properly close your pool, consult a professional.

Afraid you will forget something regarding your winter preparations? Click here to download a checklist designed especially for you!

Looking for advice?

Your home is a big investment for you. Whether you own a house or a condo, one of our advisors can help you find the right home insurance for your needs.

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