3 Items for your Pre-Winter Maintenance Checklist

As the winter season is quickly approaching, there are a few important things to consider as a homeowner. In our lovely city of Ottawa, the winter brings cold air and a lot of snow. Because of this, it is important to prepare your home to avoid any potential damage from the weather conditions. We have put together this checklist to help you get started on your winter home maintenance. 

1. Prepare your plants. Now is the best time of the year to take care of your plants ahead of the winter. Not only will it protect your plants in the colder months, but it can also protect your home. Be sure to trim any branches so they are at least 3 feet from your house. This will ensure the moisture accumulated on them won’t cause damage to the roofing and siding. Additionally, you might want to cover any plants that cannot handle excessive amounts of snow and can break under the weight.
   
2. Take a look at your fireplace. Winter is the time to start enjoying your beautiful fireplace; however, before you start getting cozy by the fire, you might want to be sure everything is working properly. First, take a look inside to be sure that the damper opens and closes properly. Check for any bird nests, branches or leaves obstructing the chimney. You should be able to see daylight coming through the top. Additionally, check the firebox for any cracks or missing bricks.
   
3. Declutter your gutters. Throughout the year, your gutters can accumulate a lot of leaves, twigs and grime. Ahead of the winter, it is important to make sure that your gutters are clean, properly tightened, and free from holes or cracks. When checking your gutters, be sure that your downspout is at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent any potential damage to your foundation. 

Heading into the winter can be daunting; however, if you make sure to be prepared ahead of time, the season is bound to be a breeze. What are some of your home winter-proofing tips?