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Folks from Port Perry all the way to Oshawa, Whitby, Uxbridge, and Scugog are caught off guard by the rapid drop in cold temperatures, the sting of wind chill, and the growing threat of winter storms, ice storms, and freezing rain. Getting a head start on winterizing your home is key to keeping your home's foundation intact, preventing pipes from freezing, keeping your heating bills in check & keeping your family safe during a season when the chill in the air gets you a lot colder, the weather shifts fast & power outages become more common.
This winter preparation guide runs you through everything you need to do to keep your home strong, efficient & safe during the coldest winter months. Everything you need to do to keep your home strong, efficient & safe during the coldest winter months. Port Perry Handyman helps homeowners in Durham Region prep their homes for the harshest winter weather with practical advice, hands on expertise and expert support tailored to the reality of Durham Region winters.
Durham Region gets some of the most changeable, fast-moving winter weather patterns in Ontario. One minute it's slush and melting snow, the next it's heavy snow and high winds. The extreme cold, wind chill, and sudden weather warnings create hazardous conditions for your home and family, particularly during severe winter weather .
Winter storms and ice storms
Power outages that catch you off guard
Frozen pipes and the risk of a pipe bursting
Snow and ice are piling up on the roof and your sidewalks
Ice dams are forming in no time
Moisture problems around the foundation of your home
The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty heaters
The increased risk of home fires from misusing your heater
The risk of slipping and falling on the sidewalk
Car hazards from low tire traction
Factor in the ongoing changes from climate change - warmer storms, heavier snow & more severe winter weather - and it becomes all too clear that thorough preparation is absolutely crucial.
Preparing for winter is as much about avoiding costly damage as it is about staying warm in unpredictable cold weather.
Port Perry Handyman recommends the following essentials.
Heat goes up in the winter, and in older homes in Durham Region, heat loss escapes through gaps in the walls, drafty windows & under-insulated attics.
Stop the cold air from getting in by sealing gaps with weather stripping, which is an effective method. This makes your heating system work that much harder - but keeps your home warm & cozy.
Other things to try:
Apply caulk around your windows & doors
Put insulating foam in your basement headers
Seal up any holes in the crawl space
Add foam grommets to your outlet covers
Install storm windows, or consider putting them in if you've got an older home
By doing these things, your heating system runs more efficiently, cutting your heating costs and helping you stay warm on the coldest nights.
When winter hits, your furnace or heat pump is working overtime. Getting your heating equipment in order ensures your home heating system runs efficiently and it'll stay strong all season.
Change your air filters regularly
Get your furnace serviced once a year
Make sure your vents are clear of any blockages
Check that your thermostat is working properly
Check for any unusual noises or funny smells
Know if your system is running efficiently
Check your portable heaters & space heaters for damage
As the cold sets in, faulty equipment becomes a greater risk, especially during power outages. Without heat, the risk of hypothermia becomes a very real threat - especially for kids & elderly family members, as their body heat is more challenging to maintain without proper warmth.
A burst pipe is one of the most costly winter emergencies a homeowner can face. It happens when freezing temperatures cause water inside the pipe to freeze and expand, breaking the pipe and flooding your home.
Insulate exposed pipes
Use heat tape in high-risk areas
Leave your cabinet doors open to get some air circulating
Set your thermostat to a consistent level
Leave your taps dripping lightly on the coldest nights
Disconnect outdoor hoses
Make sure your gutters are clear
Port Perry Handyman can help identify weak points in your system before the worst of the cold sets in.
Heavy snow & ice, along with heavy rain, weigh down on your roof, clog your gutters & form ice dams. These dams prevent melting snow from draining, forcing water back under your shingles.
Clear leaves and debris from your gutters
Make sure they drain freely
Fix any loose shingles
Inspect your soffits & fascia
Check your attic insulation
Make sure your downspouts are draining properly
Durham's winter storms and heavy snowfall can be a nightmare when it comes to getting around.
Get out the salt and sand - it's a lifesaver in icy conditions
Make sure paths are clear of snow and ice - it's easier to get around when you don't have to dodge snow banks
Install handrails on stairs to stop you slipping while you're carrying a cup of hot coffee
Get snow off the roof and patio ASAP, so you don't have to worry about it coming down on your head
Keep decks and walkways clear to prevent nice warm skin coming into contact with yucky cold metal
I'll be honest, during Ontario's winters, you can bet your last dollar that the power is going to go out at some point - whether it's a storm, a strong gust of wind, or the grid gets overloaded.
When you put together a decent emergency kit, you want to make sure it's got everything you need to keep safe till the power comes back on, which may include tools to remove snow.
So start by getting these essentials into your kit:
Some decent flashlights so you can see what you're doing
Batteries - don't forget those
Portable chargers - for your phone and whatnot
Some non-perishable food to keep you going
Thermal blankets so you don't get hypothermia
First aid kits - you never know when you might need to patch yourself up
A battery-powered radio to keep you informed of what's going on
Some warm clothes and a few extra blankets - because you never know when the power might be out for a while
And a few heat sources, just in case things get really chilly
Using space heaters, fireplaces, and backup generators is all well and good, but it's a recipe for disaster if you don't have properly installed carbon monoxide detectors.
You should also have working smoke alarms fitted in case things go wrong and a fire breaks out - it's a simple safety precaution that could save your life and ensure you dress appropriately for the cold.
And don't even get me started on furnace inspections and ventilation tests - you want to make sure everything is safe and in good working order, and also ensure you have dry clothing ready for when you go outside.
Extreme cold hits you way faster than you think, especially when your body loses heat faster in such conditions . Hypothermia is just around the corner when your body can't keep itself warm in cold weather , and that’s when dressing warmly becomes crucial, especially for preventing hypothermia. - especially when your body is losing heat faster than usual in the wind.
So to stay safe on the outside, especially when you receive weather alerts :
Dress for the job - wear what will keep you warm
Wear layers - so if you start to heat up, you can strip off a layer or two
Go for a wind-resistant outer layer - the last thing you need is a gust of wind making things worse
Keep any exposed skin covered up
Avoid wearing damp clothes - it's just asking for trouble
If you do get wet, get changed into dry clothes right away - trust me, it's a lifesaver
After a hard day shoveling, get your hands and feet warm and take a break before heading back out.
Clearing snow and ice can be a real pain in the neck - but it's not worth risking an injury.
Shovel in small sections - do it or you might end up on the floor
Lift with your legs, not your back - you want to save your back for whatever comes next
Make sure you have some salt on hand - it's a winter staple
Take a break now and then - you can't shovel snow all day without a rest
Avoid doing anything strenuous when the wind chill is high - it's just not worth the risk
Cars aren't immune to the cold - they need a bit of TLC to get them through the winter.
Keep your gas tank more than half full - you never know when you might need to get going
Check your tire traction - you don't want to be stuck in a snow bank
Clear the roof and hood of your car - you don't want ice flying off on the road and causing an accident
Check your antifreeze levels - you don't want your radiator to freeze up on you
Keep some winter wiper fluid on hand - you never know when you might need it
All in all, staying on top of the weather forecast is your best bet for staying safe during winter weather.
Home fires multiply in the winter due to a few common mistakes.
Space heaters are a major fire hazard if misused - so use them responsibly
Overloaded outlets are a fire waiting to happen - be careful with how much stuff you plug in
Make sure your chimney is clear of debris - you don't want sparks flying out and catching on fire
Keep your indoor air nice and moist - dry air is a real fire hazard
And make sure your furnace is in good working order - a poorly maintained furnace is a recipe for disaster
Cold-related harm is a real thing - keep an eye out for the signs:
Numbness
Blue lips and fingers
Confusion
Uncontrollable shivering
If you notice any of these symptoms, get yourself warm - and get some fresh air - it's not worth the risk of getting hurt from the cold.
The yard, decks, and other outdoor areas need a bit of TLC to make it through the winter, particularly to prevent issues like soil erosion .
Secure any loose boards - you don't want them flying off in the wind
Protect your exterior taps from freezing - you don't want to be stuck without water when you need it most
Bring in any fragile decorations - you don't want them getting smashed by snow or ice
Store your outdoor furniture - you don't want it getting ruined by the elements
Check the ground for any areas prone to erosion - you don't want your yard turning into a mud pit
And clear any leaves off the lawn - you want water to drain properly
All in all, doing these small tasks now means less work for you come spring.
Every system in your home needs a bit of TLC before winter sets in.
Your furnace - make sure it's in good working order
Your hot water tank - make sure it's not going to leak
Your heating system components - make sure they're all in good shape
Your vents and ductwork - make sure air is flowing freely
Your chimney - make sure it's clear of debris
Your heat pump - make sure it's working correctly
Your dryer vents - make sure they're clear of lint
And your electrical panels - make sure they're good to go
Do this now and you'll save yourself a world of trouble come winter.
Now, I know climate change is a bit of a touchy subject - but the facts are the facts - our winters are getting worse.
We can expect more and more extreme weather events
More and more freezing rain
Unpredictable weather patterns - you never know what to expect
Sudden shifts from warm to cold - it's like the weather just makes a decision without telling you
And more and more flooding from all the melting snow
It's going to take a bit of planning to stay safe in the winter from now on.
Keeping your home in good working order is like doing a weekly health check - its better to catch any problems early.
Port Perry Handyman can help with:
Furnace servicing - so it's ready for winter
Pipe insulation - so your pipes don't freeze
Attic and roof inspections - so you don't get any surprise bills
Storm preparation - so you're ready for whatever the weather throws at you
Hot and cold weather sealing - so your home is secure
Exterior safety checks - to make sure everything is safe and sound
And full home winterizing packages - so you can relax knowing your home is in good shape.
All it takes is one visit to Port Perry Handyman to make a big difference.
If you notice any of the following or receive weather alerts, you should probably give Port Perry Handyman a call:
Cold air sneaking in - drafts or major leaks
Ice forming around your foundations
Lousy electricity with repeated power outages
Your furnace is making some strange noises
Heating bills are going up
Your roof is starting to sag under all that snow
Water leaking in after the last snow and ice mess
Condensation is dripping in through the windows
Port Perry Handymen at Port Perry Handyman are on hand to sort out all your winterization tasks- from quick fixes to carrying out a thorough inspecton to stop any potential problems before they become major issues and leave your home safe.
Durham Region winters are stunning, but also pretty tough, which is why it's important to stay updated with weather reports . By following our Winter Prep guide as a checklist and working with our skilled tradespeople, you can sidestep risks, save energy costs a few bucks and really shield your home from the various hazards of winter.
A winter that's safer, warmer and a bit more tolererable starts with doing the right prep work - and Port Perry Handyman is here to lend a hand.
