By Meena Nowrattan
It’s that time of the year again. Time to check in with your space to see how it’s doing before the weather changes and we all head indoors.
As we shift from mowing the lawn to shovelling walkways, it's important that our homes (yes, even lofts and condos) are as cosy as we are to be able to withstand the harsh winter weather. It’s vital to add a few maintenance tasks to your to-do list before the seasonal changes take effect in order to properly assess the status of your humble abode and complete essential winterization projects well in advance of changing leaves.
As part of this year’s Fall Home Show taking place Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre, you can learn what needs to be on every homeowner’s seasonal checklist, as well as easy DIY projects that will ensure you have a comfortable and stress-free winter.
Below are six tips from Fall Home Show experts on how to get your space winter-ready, save on utility bills and more:
1) Take it to the rooftop: Start from the top. Make sure to check that roof shingles are in peak condition for the wet and cold weather ahead. That means no missing, damaged or improperly installed shingles. Leaks due to broken or cracked shingles can cause serious water damage.
2) Fill those cracks in: Take a look at both the exterior and interior of your house. Check the foundation as well as the driveway for any cracks. Any unwanted crevices, even the smallest ones, can cause water to enter, which can lead to larger cracks and mould build up.
3) Clean out those gutters: Like a roof unattended, clogged up gutters can also lead to damage to the interior and exterior of your home. It’s important to clean them out and remove all debris such as wet leaves, to prevent any blockages later in the season.
4) Improve indoor air quality: Did you know indoor air can be up to 10 times more polluted than the air outside? With more time spent indoors throughout the cooler months it’s vital to make sure air filtres, furnaces and vents are clean from air particles that can make us sick or decrease natural ventilation.
5) Check for drafts: Stay cosy all fall and winter by making sure to insulate well. Seal any cracks and check your weather stripping around things such as door frames and windows. This is a great way to stay warm and lower heating costs.
6) Invest in smart climate control: Smart thermostats and controllers can be used to maintain an ideal home climate, even in colder months, and are convenient if you’re planning on being away for an extended period of time. You can even set up schedules remotely and use temperature and humidity triggers to maintain the perfect temperature and utility cost-controlled environment.
A little TLC following the above tips will go a long way and save you from future issues later in the season, as well as the associated costs that come with them. Learn more about addressing seasonal maintenance, how to save seasonally, and get the most out of your space from the experts at the upcoming Fall Home Show.
To learn more, go to: torontohomeshows.com/sl/