Winter is here too soon, and we’ll be sure to visit places the kids love on Winter break. We’re sure to see a lot of snow whether we’re staying home or out travelling. While snow brings many postcard-perfect scenes to Canada, if you’re coming from a warmer climate, perhaps having purchased a home among the real estate for sale in Whistler, you’ll want to prepare your property for a Harsh Winter.

Canadian winters can be brutal depending on the particular destination, with Whistler famous for its powdery snow that attracts skiers and boarders from across the globe. Temperatures average well below zero in many cities, like Winnipeg where the average in January ranges from -1.3°F to 11.7°F.

Not sure where to start when it comes to getting your home ready? Completing this checklist will allow you to winterize it so the snow and ice doesn’t do damage while making yet a lot more comfortable when the mercury dips too. See that your home gets checked before the heavy snow falls, or before you leave for a ski vacation.

Inspect the Roof

If you’re comfortable enough to do it, grab a tall ladder and get up on your roof to look for loose, damaged, or missing shingles which can leak during a winter storm or when snow melts. Otherwise, if it’s too risky you might try using binoculars to scan it closely. If you notice anything awry, you’ll want to hire a roofer or a handyman to make repairs.They’d assess the roof and make adjustments as is necessary to prevent any untoward incidences.

Caulk Doors and Windows

Check the gaps between windows and siding as well as around door frames. If they’re larger than the width of a nickel (.835 inches), you’ll want to apply exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is the best option as it will hold up to the elements and it won’t shrink.

Trim Tree Branches Around Your Home

Check your property for any branches that are growing over the garage, driveway, house, and power lines. The last thing you want to have happen during a winter storm is for them to come crashing down, causing major damage. Plus if there are any overhanging limbs, it can cause excess water to seep into cracks in the siding or roof. The goal should be to ensure no branches or limbs are closer than three feet from the house.

Clear Your Gutters Out

If your rain gutters are clogged, it can lead to ice dams or damage to your home’s foundation. Once the leaves have fallen off your trees, clean out the gutters to remove any twigs, leaves, and other debris You’ll also want to ensure the gutters aren’t sagging which can trap water. Tighten the hangers and replace any damaged or worn materials.

Prepare Your Home for a Harsh Winter: Insulate pipes

If you have any exposed pipes in an unheated area like a basement or running along a wall, when temperatures dip below freezing, the water inside can freeze causing the pipe to burst. Protect them before the frigid cold hits by using pipe insulation, easily found at home improvement and hardware stores. You’ll want to cut it to fit the length of your pipes, wrapping it around them and securing with duct tape.

Get the Fireplace Cleaned and Inspected

If you have a wood-burning fireplace and it’s used more than a half-dozen times in a year, it’s important to get it professionally cleaned and inspected before you start using it for the upcoming winter season. If you don’t, soot and creosote will build up and it can ignite.