ROOF, CHIMNEY AND GUTTERS

• Take a close look at the roof and replace any damaged shingles. Make sure that all the shingles are securely attached and nail or glue any that have worked loose.

• Check to ensure that the guttering is in good condition and firmly attached to the house. Remove any debris and leaves that have accumulated in the gutters. Run water through them to check for leaks and to ensure that the downspouts are working properly.

• The chimney should be swept regularly to avoid all risk of fire. This should be done between one and three times a year, according to how frequently you use your fireplace. A professional chimney sweep can check or do the job for you, but with the right advice and proper technique, you can do it yourself!

EXTERNAL STRUCTURES

• Examine the walls. Fill in and seal any cracks that appear, both on the outside and the inside. Do the same for the concrete slab in the basement.  

• Go around the outside of your home and check that the siding is in good condition and fixed securely in place.

• Apply a sealer to your driveway and take the time to repair cracks in the asphalt if necessary.

OUTSIDE ACCESSORIES

• Empty the hoses of water and store them in the house or shed. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, avoid all risk of damage to the pipes by draining them using compressed air. Turn off the water supply to the outside faucets to prevent burst pipes. 

• Store away garden furniture and outside accessories. 

• Before putting the lawnmower away, clean it well and empty the gas tank. 

• If you used your barbecue a lot over the summer, clean the grids and check the condition of the bricks, replacing them if necessary. Clean the burners. The barbecue can be left outside over the winter, as long as it is covered. Store the propane bottle in the shed.  

• Early in the fall, check that your snowblower is working properly. Replace the spark plug and the gas filter if need be. If the machine has trouble starting, have it tuned up by a specialist.

CLOSING THE POOL

• When the temperature starts to fall and you’re no longer using the pool, it’s time to close it. Use a winterizing kit and cover the pool with a waterproof or plastic cover to protect it from dead leaves and other debris.

HEATING

• Check that your furnace is in good condition. Clean or replace the air filters. It is also advisable to have the furnace inspected by a professional once a year. 

• If you have oil-fired heating, inspect the tank for any signs of cracks or rust.

• Clean the inside of your fireplace and remove the ashes. Make sure the doors open and close properly and that they do not let cold air into the house.

• Prevent risk of intoxication by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your house. While you’re at it, check that your smoke detector functions properly and change the batteries if necessary.

VENTILATION AND INSULATION

• Dust the inside of the air exchanger. Ensure that the motor, heating element and fan run smoothly. Clean the air vents. 

• Remove the dust from electric baseboards and from heating and ventilation ducts. Clean the humidifier, the kitchen range hood filter and the bathroom fan.

• Inspect the weatherstripping on doors and windows and replace any damaged sections. 

• Proper insulation throughout the house will make your home a lot more comfortable in the winter. Choose from the many products available on the market to meet your specific insulation needs.

• If you have a window-mounted air conditioner, remove it and seal the opening using weatherstripping as required. If you choose to leave it in place, use a cover specially designed for this purpose.

Properly preparing your house for winter is something you can do over the course of a few weekends and which will set your mind at rest for the whole season. Visit your Réno-Dépôt warehouse store to get all the products you need.