Winterizing Your Home

Winterizing Your Ottawa Home: A Home Inspector’s Perspective

As winter tightens its icy grip on Ottawa, homeowners must prepare their houses to withstand harsh conditions. Proper winterization not only protects your home from damage but also ensures comfort and energy efficiency throughout the season. From a home inspector’s perspective, here’s a comprehensive guide to winterizing your Ottawa home.

1. Inspect and Seal Your Home’s Exterior

Winter winds and snow can exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior. A pre-winter inspection can help identify problem areas:

• Check for Cracks and Gaps: Inspect your home’s foundation, windows, and doors for cracks or gaps. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these areas and prevent drafts.

• Examine the Roof: Look for loose or missing shingles and repair them to prevent leaks from melting snow.

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to ensure proper drainage. Ice dams can form if water cannot flow away from your home.

• Inspect Siding: Ensure siding is secure and free of damage that could let moisture seep in.

2. Maintain Your Heating System

Your heating system will be working overtime during Ottawa’s long winters. Ensure it’s in optimal condition:

• Service Your Furnace: Schedule a professional tune-up to inspect burners, filters, and blowers. Replace air filters regularly to maintain efficiency.

• Check Your Thermostat: Test your thermostat and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat to save on energy costs.

• Inspect Heat Vents: Ensure vents are unobstructed to allow proper airflow.

3. Insulate to Keep Warmth In

Ottawa winters can be brutal, and proper insulation is crucial to maintaining a cozy home and reducing energy bills:

• Attic Insulation: Heat rises, so a well-insulated attic can prevent significant heat loss. Consider topping up insulation to R-60 (a common recommendation for Ottawa homes).

• Basement and Crawlspace Insulation: Insulate walls and pipes in these areas to prevent freezing.

• Draft Protection: Use draft stoppers for doors and insulated curtains for windows to block cold air.

4. Prevent Plumbing Issues

Frozen pipes are a common winter problem, but they can be avoided with proper preparation:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas.

• Drain Outdoor Faucets: Shut off outdoor water supplies and drain the faucets to prevent freezing.

• Keep Temperatures Consistent: Maintain indoor temperatures above 15°C (59°F) even when away.

5. Test and Maintain Safety Systems

Winter brings unique risks, such as carbon monoxide buildup and increased fire hazards. Ensure your safety systems are ready:

• Inspect Smoke and CO Detectors: Test all detectors monthly and replace batteries as needed.

• Service the Fireplace and Chimney: Have a professional inspect and clean your fireplace or wood stove. Creosote buildup can be a fire hazard.

• Review Emergency Plans: Keep a fire extinguisher and emergency kit handy in case of power outages.

6. Enhance Energy Efficiency

Energy bills can skyrocket in winter, but these steps can help reduce costs:

• Install Storm Windows and Doors: These add an extra layer of insulation and block drafts.

• Use a Humidifier: Ottawa winters are dry, and a humidifier can make your home feel warmer, reducing the need to crank the heat.

• Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to spin clockwise on a low setting to push warm air down.

7. Address Ice and Snow Management

Heavy snowfalls and ice buildup can damage your home and create hazards:

• Shovel Roof Snow: Excessive snow can strain your roof. Use a roof rake to clear it safely.

• Apply De-icer: Use salt or eco-friendly alternatives to prevent icy walkways.

• Protect Landscaping: Cover shrubs and bushes near your home to shield them from snow and ice damage.

8. Conduct a Final Inspection

After completing your winterizing tasks, take one last walk around your home:

• Look for overlooked vulnerabilities, such as loose siding, overhanging branches, or pooling water near the foundation.

• Ensure that emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and blankets are accessible in case of storms.

Why Winterization Matters

As a home inspector, I’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by inadequate preparation for Ottawa’s winters—everything from burst pipes to structural damage from ice dams. Winterizing your home protects your investment, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your family comfortable.

Taking these proactive steps now can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home is ready to weather the storm. If you’re unsure about any of these tasks, consider consulting a home inspection professional to help identify and address potential issues.

Stay warm and safe this winter!