We received 20 centimetres of snow in Toronto last night! I would call that a Snowmageddon! Schools were closed today as were libraries, COVID-19 vaccine clinics, Canada Post delivery in the GTA, the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway and even the Toronto Eaton Centre is closing early at 4 p.m. to allow employees to get home safely. Although getting 20 centimetres of snow all in one snowfall is rare for Toronto, it is Canada so we have to expect snow in January! Canadian winters can wreak havoc on your home. An essential part of owning a home in Toronto is knowing how to protect your foundation and structure from winter-related conditions and damage. You definitely need to prepare your home for winter!
Winterizing your home is easier when you know which projects to tackle first. I truly hope you have addressed some of these issues before the snowfall we just had! Below are the key aspects of your home that you should prioritize so that your house is ready for severe winter weather.
Secure Your Roof
When your roof is secure, it becomes impossible for weather-related elements to penetrate and cause internal damage to your home. Repairing your roof before the winter weather sets in is a significant home repair project that cannot be ignored, particularly if your home is an older construction.
This type of project should be completed by a team of professionals. Damaged shingles can lead to leaks and water damage, which can compromise the foundation of the home. You’ll want to ensure your home is secure and trained roofers will have the equipment and resources to get the job done right.
Finding the best roofing companies in Toronto can feel like an impossible task unless you know what qualities and qualifications to look for. Any reputable company will have a significant amount of reviews from customers with details of their experiences — just be sure to look out for five-star-only reviews since it’s easy for companies to pad with false reviews.
A trusted Toronto roofing company will be able to clearly identify the issues your roof faces and provide a detailed plan of action to safely resort and winterize it to protect your family.
Close Cracks and Gaps
Exposed cracks and holes around the home can lead to water damage, indoor drafts, and even small rodents and insects entering the walls of the home. Repairing your foundation to eliminate these gaps not only prevents this from happening but will also help protect your home from sleet and hail, and freezing temperatures. Another bonus of repairing cracks and holes is it should reduce your heating bill!
The simplest way to prevent Toronto winters from getting the best of your home is to use high-quality caulk to seal any cracks in and around the home. Pay special attention to cracks or gaps around your window and door frames, faucets, exposed pipes, and any areas where your shingles meet your foundation.
Regular Furnace Replacement
Clogged furnace filters can lead to compromised airflow and will ultimately decrease the efficiency of your furnace. When your furnace isn’t running efficiently, you’ll end up paying higher hydro costs throughout the winter. To prevent this, aim to change your filters every two months and seek a licensed HVAC contractor to conduct a thorough furnace inspection once every year.
Insulation is Key
Insulation is a crucial component to retaining heat and protecting your home. Secure your hot-water pipes and any exposed pipes with insulation or foam sleeves, which will keep hot water inside the pipes, and your home doesn’t have to work twice as hard to keep everyone inside warm from those cold Toronto winters.
I hope the above tips to prepare your home for winter weather were helpful. Be careful when shoveling snow. You might want to read these helpful tips to prevent back pain when shoveling snow.
