Some of the following tips to protect your home need to be carried out in the fall, but several of them can be done now. Better late than never! Follow the guide!
65 cm of Snow? Off You Go!
Snow can weigh a ton! In Quebec, roofs that collapse under its weight are rare, but the consequences are detrimental. As soon as there is 65 cm of snow or more on your roof (about 2 feet), be sure to remove it. Ice will also need to be taken care of if it reaches a thickness of 5cm or more. Hiring an expert is the best option. Otherwise, you can find telescopic handle snow scrapers.
Balcony and Patio
Balconies and patios (which are not supported by the ground) are not made to hold up lots of snow. A maximum of 90 cm can be tolerated, then it’s time to shovel. Do you have an above-ground pool? The same rule applies! Don’t let snow accumulate or the pool could crack.
Store Objects (Even Heavy Ones)
Sometimes winter winds are so strong they can move anything that is not anchored or that isn’t very heavy. In order to prevent furniture or other objects from damaging your home by hitting the walls or scratching the roof, it is essential to store everything safely.
Extend gutters
Water seeping into a house can be a horror story. Due to snowstorms and strong winds, water can more easily make its way into homes, especially through openings that are usually waterproof. Make sure the gutters have extensions to allow water to be discharged as far away from the home as possible.
Examine the Roof
Ideally in the fall, a roof check is required. Even with the naked eye, it is possible to notice vulnerable areas, for example, spots with missing shingles. It is important to repair a damaged roof to avoid water damage. In fact, during the winter, damage can increase due to wind, snow and ice. Never procrastinate when a roof is damaged.
Icicle Alert
There’s something bucolic about icicles hanging from roofs of houses. Yet their presence should worry us rather than impress us. These icicles form when the house loses heat through its roof, causing the snow to melt in the lower part of the roof. By refreezing, it prevents rainwater from flowing properly. The result? Water infiltration! When in doubt, call on the help of an expert.
Your home is probably your most expensive asset. The more you take care of it, the more it will retain its value. Be sure to protect it from Mother Nature!