Canadian winters are tough on homes. Between freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, ice damming, and brutal cold snaps, the season puts every system in your house to the test. As certified home inspectors, we see the same preventable winter damage year after year — and most of it could have been avoided with a few hours of fall and early-winter maintenance.

Here are the top 10 winter home maintenance tips we recommend to every Canadian homeowner.

1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters are the number one cause of ice damming. When meltwater can’t drain, it backs up under shingles and into your attic. Clean them out before the first freeze and make sure downspouts direct water at least six feet away from the foundation.

2. Inspect Your Roof

From the ground, scan for missing or curling shingles, damaged flashing, and any moss or debris. A roof problem you ignore in October becomes a leak in February.

3. Service Your Furnace

Have your furnace serviced annually by a licensed HVAC technician. Replace the filter monthly during peak heating season. A clean, well-tuned furnace runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is peak season for furnace use, fireplace use, and house fires. Test every detector and replace batteries. If your detectors are over 10 years old, replace the units themselves.

5. Get a WETT Inspection for Wood-Burning Appliances

If you have a wood stove, fireplace insert, or pellet stove, a WETT inspection ensures it’s safe to use through the heating season. Creosote buildup and damaged components are leading causes of chimney fires.

WETT Inspection

6. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Walk through your home on a cold, windy day and feel for drafts around windows, doors, electrical outlets on exterior walls, and where pipes enter the home. Weatherstripping and caulk are cheap; heating a leaky house is not.

7. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Shut Off Exterior Water

A frozen hose bib can split a pipe inside your wall and not show damage until spring thaw — by which point the damage can be catastrophic. Disconnect every hose and shut off exterior water supply lines.

8. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Pipes running through unheated areas — crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls — are at risk of freezing. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.

9. Check Your Attic Insulation and Ventilation

Poor attic insulation drives up heating costs and contributes to ice damming. Proper ventilation prevents moisture buildup that leads to mold and structural damage. If you’re not sure your attic is in good shape, an inspection can tell you.

Home/Townhouse Inspection

10. Have Your Home Inspected If You’ve Just Moved In

If you bought your home recently and didn’t get a thorough inspection — or if you skipped certain specialized inspections — winter is a great time to catch issues before they become emergencies. Air quality testing is particularly important in winter when homes are sealed up tight.

Air Quality Testing

Bottom Line

A few hours of preventative maintenance in fall and early winter can save you thousands in emergency repairs. And if you’re unsure where your home stands, a professional inspection is the fastest way to find out.

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