6 Simple Steps to Safeguard Your Backyard Ahead of Winter
As the days shorten and temperatures dip, nature begins preparing for winter. Trees shed their leaves to conserve energy while wildlife prepares their dens for the frost. Your home deserves the same care. This fall, take a cue from the season: this guide can help you get your home and outdoor spaces winter-ready before the first snow falls.
“Cold weather can cause more damage than you expect. While many homeowners focus on what’s happening inside their homes, outdoor features are often among the most vulnerable to winter weather,” said Mel Wright, vice president and head of Intact Insurance’s prevention program. “A quick seasonal inspection of outdoor taps, doors, gutters and attached structures can help identify potential issues and reduce the risk of costly damage during the winter months”
Here are some preventative steps that can help protect your home and get it winter-ready:
- Shut off the outdoor taps. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses before closing the indoor shut-off valve for your outdoor faucets. Open the exterior taps to drain any remaining water; this prevents trapped moisture from freezing and bursting your pipes.
- Secure outdoor items. High winds can turn patio furniture and trash cans into projectiles, damaging both the items and your home’s siding. Store what you can in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements. For larger items that have to stay outside, use heavy-duty ropes to anchor them securely.
- Trim your trees. Inspect trees for dead or weakened limbs that hang over your roof, fences or power lines. Prune these branches as close to the trunk as you can to prevent heavy snow or wind from snapping them. For large limbs or high-altitude work, hire a professional to ensure the job is done safely.
- Clear your eavestroughs. Leaves, needles and debris can quickly clog your drainage system. Clear out your eavestroughs and downspouts, and be sure to sweep debris off the roof as well. This helps prevent the next rainfall from washing material right back into your freshly cleaned drains.
- Check your weatherstripping. Take the opportunity to inspect the seals around your home’s exterior doors and windows. Look for missing, cracked or damaged weatherstripping, and replace it to keep a warm and dry home all season long.
- Inspect your outdoor structures. Take a look at any fencing, canopies, porches, decks and for loose boards or structural damage. Winter will make any existing damage worse—fixing it now will be easier than when the snow comes.
Preparing your backyard for the season is a satisfying final step before the colder months set in. With everything secured, drained and tidied away, you can head into the season with more peace of mind, knowing you’ve helped reduce the risk of damage and made spring cleanup easier.
Find more prevention tips at keepitintact.ca.
Source: (NC) www.newscanada.com
