Winter Season Preparation

Kaila Sawlor-Dion, September 11, 2012 | Posted in Enjoy; Tagged Moving In, After the Sale

Regular maintenance is key when it comes to protecting your new home. Establish a routine and schedule of seasonal maintenance to prevent the most common problems before they happen! An inspection of all areas of your home on a regular basis may help you detect a minor issue before it becomes a major problem.

In preparation for the Fall and Winter seasons, here are 6 practices to help keep your home safe.

1.)    The filters in the HRV and Heat Pump must be cleaned and inspected on a regular basis. The manufacturer recommends cleaning and inspecting every 6 months.

2.)    Salt, chemicals, mechanical implements and Nova Scotia’s freeze/thaw cycle will damage concrete steps, walk ways and driveways. Be sure to only use products safe for concrete.

3.)    Cleaning eavestroughs and downspouts free of leaves and debris will prevent overflow.

4.)    Maintain adequate interior heat at all times to prevent pipes freezing. Water lines leading to the exterior must be drained to prevent freezing. Garden hoses must be disconnected from the exterior hose bib.

5.)    Seasonal shrinkage and swelling can occur with wood flooring as relative humidity fluctuates between Summer and Winter seasons. Slight gaps in wood flooring and doors that close snugly in one season and rather loose in an another is quite common.

6.)    Exterior doors do not have a weather rating. In high wind areas it may be necessary for home owners to have storm doors installed to prevent the door from leaking.

Kaila Sawlor-Dion

Kaila is the Marketing Manager of Sawlor Built Homes. She continuously updates our profile on Facebook, Instagram, Houzz, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest, and is focused on all marketing initiatives.

A third generation family member of Sawlor Built Homes, Kaila joined the company in 2011. She is an active member of the Canadian Home Builder's Association - Nova Scotia Marketing Committee and she continues to update her education and training, intent on becoming an industry leader in new home marketing.