Preparing Your Home for the Cold Weather
Ottawa residents are no strangers to harsh winters and getting your home winter ready is a must if you want to feel comfortable once that snow begins to fall. Tips for preparing your home for the cold weather:
Check the Windows
Your windows are not only designed to allow for natural light to enter your home, they also play a key role in keeping your home’s temperature comfortable. Windows can allow cold air to enter the home and warm air to leak, which means they are one of the first features of your home to check in the fall. Look for any noticeable issues such as separation from the walls, broken panes, loose or wobbly seals, etc. Use a caulking gun to seal up any obvious issues and if you feel an exceptional “breeze” consider speaking to the contractors Ottawa home owners hire to replace your old windows. Energy Star windows will keep you toasty warm and lower your energy bills to boot.
Create Extra Storage
Winter months can make a home feel very cramped, and with the addition of more layers of clothing, boots, hockey gear you’ll need somewhere to store it all, as well as your summer stuff. Fall is the perfect time of year to look for ways to introduce new storage space and organize your closets so your home stays neat. Consider adding closet organizers to your current closets or find a spot in your home such as the basement or entry to add new closets to accommodate your winter sprawl.
Clear Entry Ways
When the snow starts to fall you want to make sure you have easy access to entrances. Check the condition of your stairs and ramps for any signs of crumbling concrete and rotting wood as this can make entries very dangerous once the winter weather is in full swing. The contractors Ottawa home owners hire can make sure any issues with your entries are taken care of so you do not take the risk of anyone slipping and falling on your property.
Drafts
Your basement and attic are also vulnerable areas that should be checked for drafts. A contractor can ensure your home is properly insulated and also check the integrity of your basement to look for any issues.
These tips will keep your home cozy for that long, cold Ottawa winter ahead. Why wait? Fill out an online form or give us a call at (613) 727-9427
