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Frigid winters can have a major effect on your home, and if you are a new homeowner or even new to Alberta, there are a few tasks you may want to know about! We see the profound effects that heavy snowfalls and extremely low temperatures can have on the environment, streets, and infrastructure, meaning your home and backyard are no different
Winter maintenance is part of homeownership and for those who may be new to the game, here are some common mistakes that homeowners can make!
Not disconnecting outdoor faucets
Forgetting or not disconnecting your outdoor faucets can be a costly mistake. In cold weather, outdoor faucets must be winterized by first disconnecting and then covering the spigot. When outdoor hoses and faucets are left connected through freezing temperatures, the water will freeze causing powerful pressure in your walls below the freezing point and when the pressure becomes too intense, the pipe will burst causing severe water damage. Covering the spigot is the final component that many forget. Covering this component will keep cold air from rushing into your house keeping your gas and power bills down and your home warm and toasty!
Leaving icicles hanging from gutters
Do you ever walk down the street and house after house have beautiful icicles hanging from the roof? All the time, right? Most people don’t realize the implications and permanent effects leaving these chunks of ice hanging from the gutters can have on their home. Not only is it a major hazard as it could cause severe injury if one were to fall but can lead to water damage inside the home, permanent roof and siding damage, also ice dams can cause damage to your gutters and downspouts.
Storing firewood next to the house
We all love a winter fire and when storing firewood, you may think that storing it right by your door is best for quick and easy access especially when it’s cold. Truth is, piles of firewood make perfect homes for rodents and pets, and with the wood next to your door, they have a direct invitation to enter your home. It’s best to keep piles of wood 30 feet from your any entrance and as an added measure, shake out the wood before storing it to kick out any unwanted tenants.
Using harsh chemicals to remove ice
There are several ice-melting products that claim to be effective at controlling stubborn ice, and claim to be safe for concrete, vehicles, pets and the environment. These products have a short-term benefit; however, they can cause more harm than good at times. Products such as salt act as a mild acid and can be highly effective in breaking through thick ice buildup, however, this product along with other ice melt solutions can weaken concrete and cause burns to plants, pets, or you. It is recommended to use products like Pristine Ice Melt and Chinook Ice melt for a more environmentally friendly, and safe options when choosing ice management options.
Purchasing your first home can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. There is a lot to take into consideration and it’s sometimes difficult to prioritize these tasks. Educate yourself on the dos and don’ts of homeownership so that you can take advantage of all the exciting moments without any costly mistakes.
