Subscribe to RSS
Lifestyle
Getting ready for the fall
October 3, 2012 | Jewish Tribune
Robert Walker
Summer is officially behind us and those cruel winter months are just around the corner, so while Canadians enjoy the changing leaves and the cooler weather, we can’t ignore the coming winter. Before the snow falls, here are a few repairs to consider to help keep your home dry and warm this season.
Get your mind in the gutter
When leaves fall, they can clog up your gutter and that means snow and sleet won’t be taken through the downspout to the ground; instead, it will fall down into your house. That could mean water damage to your basement, creating big headaches and potentially big repairs for you. Clean those gutters while there’s still time.
Furnace is your friend
The furnace will be your best friend during those long, dark and frigid winter nights, keeping you warm and cozy…but if the furnace doesn’t work properly, or at all, then you’re in trouble. Just when the weather is starting to cool off, have a pro take a look at your furnace to make sure that it’s still pumping when you really need it.
Seal ’em up
When it’s minus 30 outside, it’s essential to make sure that none of that cold air gets into your home. The best way to do that is by ensuring that your windows are sealed and airtight. Otherwise, your furnace could be cranked up and you will still be cold. You may not need to replace your windows; a simple caulking might do the trick. As a longer-term investment, installing energy-efficient windows might help save on utility costs.
Shovel again?
If your driveway is old and cracked, or if it’s made of interlock brick or concrete, the winter can cause cracking and breaking, making your driveway both unsightly and harder to shovel. Many experts recommend against paving in the winter so if you’re not confident it will last the season, consider re-paving your driveway before the snow starts to fall.
FOLLOW US ON
TAKE A POLL
Loading ...
Welcome to the Jewish Tribune's online interactive community. We encourage the free flow of ideas and hope that everyone will contribute to the conversation.
Comments posted by readers do not necessarily reflect the views of the Jewish Tribune. We reserve the right to delete comments that we believe cross the line of civil discourse including libel, slander, defamatory comments and calls for violence. Please note that if comments are not deleted that is not an endorsement by the Jewish Tribune.