3 Home Maintenance Projects to Tackle this Winter

Home maintenance is always essential for Canadian homes during the cold winter months. From ice formations to fireplace maintenance, it’s important to keep everything in check for the days to come. Here are three key maintenance tips we have to keep your home in tip top shape this winter:

1. Analyze and Maintain Your Plumbing. Plumbing issues can add up to be very costly, especially when it comes to water damage. Freezing temperatures can lead to cracks and leaks, so be sure to check your pipes. Watch out for yellow, orange and green stains, as well as the smell of mould. And don’t forget to take a look at your water heater and toilet tank for signs of rust or corrosion!

2. Clean Your Fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces tend to leave tar-like residue on the flue walls. This can be toxic and spread to different parts of the home. Be proactive and have your fireplace inspected and cleaned by a professional to avoid problems before they happen.

3. Remove Ice Dams. Ridges of ice that form on roofs can cause damage to exterior walls, brick, and drywall. If a large dam forms, it can even break away from the home, pulling your gutters or shingles with it. Along with this, icicles that form can be hazardous when coming in close proximity to the home. Be sure to have these removed before they become a problem.

Home maintenance is an ongoing process, but it’s so important to keep on top of it so issues like these don’t develop over time. We recommend making a to-do list so you can tackle each task one at a time. If DIY isn’t your thing, we would be happy to refer you to one of the trusted professionals we work with!