Seasonal Care
Winter near Lake Ontario is no gentle season. Lake-effect snow, bitter wind and repeated freezing and thawing can find every weakness in a house. A few weekends of preparation in the fall will keep you warmer, drier and calmer until spring.
Start at the roof
Inspect the roof from the ground for missing, curling or cracked shingles and check the flashing around chimneys and vents. Clean the gutters so meltwater can drain freely. Blocked gutters are a leading cause of ice dams, which push water under shingles and into ceilings.
Prevention costs less than repair, especially when the repair requires a ladder in January.
Seal the gaps
Drafts around windows and doors waste heat and money. Replace worn weatherstripping, add fresh caulk where trim meets siding and consider upgrading older windows to insulated models that hold warmth much better.
Service your heat
- Have your furnace or boiler inspected and replace filters on schedule.
- Schedule a chimney and wood stove inspection before the first fire.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace their batteries.
Protect pipes and outdoor spaces
Disconnect garden hoses, insulate exposed pipes and know where your main water shutoff is. Store outdoor furniture and trim branches that could fall under heavy snow or ice.
Plan for power outages
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and drinking water ready. If you use a generator, run it outdoors and well away from windows.
If your inspection turns up something larger, our team can help with roofing, windows and safety upgrades before the cold arrives.