Don’t forget that this weekend on Sunday November 4th 2018 – 2:00AM clocks turn backwards 1 hour.
Although you get one extra hour of sleep now, the reason why this is an important date is so homeowners and landlords use this date as an important date to do some important home maintenance for their properties this season.
Below, please find some helpful tips that may prevent damages to your property.
1. Replace all batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Although the batteries may still be good it is a good idea to replace these batteries with new ones to make sure that your devices are in good working condition. Don’t forget to test them and make sure you hear can hear them beeping!
2. Clean Gutters of leaves and debris
As the cold season is upon us, now is a good time before snow fall to clean gutters and prevent blockages in your eaves troughs. This will allow snow to melt away from your roof faster as well as rain to escape through the eaves and can prevent water damage to your roof.
3. Turn off water to outside faucets
If your house has shut off valves to outside faucets now is a good time to shut the water off and drain them on the outside. This will prevent bursts from happening during cold nights.
Last Year (2017-2018) Large Amount of Rental Property Insurance Claims
Last year’s cold weather resulted in many claims regarding burst pipes. This was because temperatures went down to -30C sometimes for a week straight. Follow the helpful advice below to prevent frozen pipes.
- Keep the Heat on
If you or your tenants are leaving your property for a period of time make sure the heat is kept on to an adequate temperature to prevent pipes from freezing. Pipes bursting within a home can cause disastrous amount of damage
- Keep Cabinet Doors Open
Warm air from the house will help keep plumbing warm by having the doors open.
- Add Insulation and Seal Holes
In areas that you believe may be problematic consider adding insulation or sealing up cracks and holes to prevent the pipes from freezing. There is array of products from caulking to spray foams that help prevent pipes from freezing. A $10 investment in foam today may prevent $10,000 in damages later on.
4. Maintain HVAC Equipment
This includes changing filters in the furnace or if it’s been awhile you should also consider duct cleaning.
5. Weatherize and put away any furniture
Now is the time to put away in gazebos, patio furniture or simply clean an area and protect it from snow fall.
6. Inspect the sump pump & backwater valve
New properties may have backwater valves and sump pumps, now would be the time to make sure both are in working order and free of any debris.
We hope the above information will help you prepare your Ontario property for the upcoming season. All the best!
