Protecting your home from winter weather In Victoria

Winter in Victoria, BC can be beautiful, but it also comes with its challenges. From heavy rains and snow to the chill of coastal winds, the winter weather can take a toll on your home if you’re not prepared. We have put together a short list of simple steps you can take to protect your home and keep it in top shape for the season.

Here are a few key tips to help you safeguard your home from winter’s harsh conditions.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Roof

Your roof is your first line of defense against winter weather. Over time, moss, debris, and damaged shingles can lead to leaks and water damage, especially during heavy rain or snowfall.

What to do:

• Clean gutters: Clear out any leaves, pine needles, and debris from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, which could lead to leaks or even damage the foundation.
• Check for damaged shingles: Look for any broken or missing shingles. These small issues can become bigger problems if they’re left unattended. Also check for loose shingles as they can become a hazard in the form of becoming a projectile in high winds.
• Inspect the flashing: The flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights are intended to contribute to weather sealing and can wear out over time. Check these areas for signs of water damage or rust.

If you’re not comfortable getting up on the roof yourself, it’s always a good idea to reach out to a local expert to make sure everything is secure. At Elevate Woodworks, we can offer our professional opinion and put you in touch with high quality and well reviewed roof maintenance professionals  to ensure your home is ready for the season.

2. Seal Windows and Doors

Heat can escape through gaps in your windows and doors. This not only makes your home less comfortable, but it also puts a strain on your heating system, leading to higher energy bills and premature wear of boilers and heat pumps.

What to do:

• Inspect caulking: Check the caulking around windows and doors for any cracks or gaps. Replace or add new caulk where needed to keep warm air in and cold air out.
• Install weather stripping: Adding weather stripping around your doors can help seal any small gaps, improving insulation and preventing drafts.
• Consider storm windows: If you have older windows, consider installing storm windows for extra insulation. These are especially helpful if your home is exposed to heavy winds or coastal weather.
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3. Prepare Your Deck and Outdoor Structures

Winter can be tough on outdoor wooden structures like decks, fences, and pergolas. The combination of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures can cause wood to rot, crack, or warp over time.

What to do:

• Clean your deck: Sweep away leaves, debris, and dirt from your deck to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you have a wood deck, a thorough cleaning will also help protect the wood from moisture.
• Check and clear drains and drainage pathways; It is imperative to prevent water from stagnating and keep it moving away from your decks and structures. If you have vinyl decking or concrete patios - make sure you drains are clear of debris. In the case of wooden decks, periodically check to make sure the gaps between the slats are clear of debris so that excessive moisture doesn't soak and rot away the slat edges.
  
• Apply wood preservative: Consider applying a wood sealant or preservative before the winter to help protect your deck from moisture damage.
• Clear away snow: If snow or ice builds up on your deck, clear it away promptly to prevent water from soaking into the wood.

4. Check Your Foundation and Crawl Spaces

Moisture from rain and snow can collect in the foundation or crawl spaces of your home, leading to problems like mould growth and structural damage.

What to do:

• Check for cracks: Inspect your foundation for any visible cracks or gaps and implement repair measures at the earliest opportunity. Small cracks can quickly turn into larger issues if left untreated.
• Ensure proper drainage: Make sure that water is draining away from the foundation. Gutters and downspouts should direct water away from the house to prevent pooling near the foundation.
• Inspect crawl spaces: If your home has a crawl space, check for signs of moisture or mould. A dehumidifier can help keep the area dry, which will protect your home’s structure.

5. Protect Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst, causing significant water damage to your home. In Victoria, freezing temperatures are not as common as in other areas, but they do happen, and sometimes can come on relatively quickly leaving you little time to prepare.

What to do:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes in areas like basements, attics, and garages with foam insulation to keep them from freezing.
• Keep the heat on: During particularly cold spells, keep your home heated to at least 10°C (50°F), even if you’re not at home. This will help prevent pipes from freezing.
• Let faucets drip: If temperatures are expected to dip below freezing, let your faucets drip slightly to keep the water moving and reduce the chances of pipes freezing.

6. Maintain Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you use a wood-burning fireplace or stove, it’s important to have it inspected and cleaned before you start using it regularly during the winter.

What to do:

• Clean the chimney: Hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney. This removes soot and debris, which will help in the prevention of chimney fires.
• Check the damper: Make sure the damper is working properly to allow for proper ventilation when the fireplace is in use.
• Inspect the firebox: Check the firebox for cracks or damage that could allow heat and unwanted smoke to escape into your home.

7. Check Your Heating System

A working heating system is essential during the winter months, especially in a wet coastal climate like Victoria’s, where there is a persistent dampness accompanying the cold.

What to do:

• Change filters: Replace or clean the filters on your furnace or heat pump to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Inspect duct work: If you have a forced air heating system, inspect your duct work for any leaks or damage that could reduce efficiency.

Final Thoughts

By taking a few simple steps to protect your home, you can prevent costly damage, keep your long term maintenance costs down and ensure your space remains warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the winter. If you're not sure where to start or need assistance with any of these tasks, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted local professionals at Elevate Woodworks. We're here to help ensure your home stays in great shape, no matter what the winter weather brings.