Sellers : Advice

Preparing your house for winter.

Maintaining your home and taking the trouble of preparing it for winter will help retain its value and even save you money.

By doing small things now you avoid some problems before they become big ones that require expensive renovations.

To help in this, the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has prepared a check list of how to prepare your house for the winter cold! You will be better prepared to face the surprises winter can bring.

• Fill any cracks in concrete before water gets into them which can cause the concrete to break when it freezes.
  
  
• Fill cracks in inside walls. Pay close attention to baseboards and electrical outlets; cold air can get in through them.
  
  
• Remove dead leaves and debris which can block drains. Pour some water into drains to reduce odours.
  
  
• Inspect doors and windows and apply a sealant if required.
  
  
• Examine the roof and replace broken or missing shingles. Glue or nail any loose shingles. Caution! Respect safety regulations and use safety equipment where appropriate!
  
  
• Dust your basement and get rid of unnecessary objects.
  
  
• Clean or replace the furnace filters.
  
  
• Check your heating oil tank for leaks or rust.
  
  
• Lubricate the water main tap.
  
  
• Check weather-stripping and replace where necessary.
  
  
• Remove any dust from baseboard heaters.
  
  
• Stock up on light bulbs, fuses, faucet cartridges or washers.
  
  
• Insure that the smoke detector is clean and in good working condition. Replace the battery if necessary.
  
  
• Clean the filter for the kitchen fan as well as the grate on bathroom fans and check the integrity of the conduits.
  
  
• Clean the conduits and outlets for hot air systems and clean your humidifier.
  
  
• Make sure that snow can not get in air vents to the attic or eaves.
  
  
• Drain exterior faucets which are not insulated against freezing.
  
  
• Inspect eaves troughs and solidify them if required.
  
  
• Add eaves troughs above stairs and outside walkways.
  
  
• Solidify outdoor stairs and handrails.
  
  
• Have the heating system checked as required
  
  
• Paint exterior wood as required.
  
  
• Correct any slopes in the lot around the house to avoid an accumulation of water/ice in the spring.

Source: Central Mortgage and housing Corporation (CMHC)
- Québec Business Centre - 1 800 668-2642