fbpx

HOMEPORTAL

Untitled design (1)

Home Snow Removal? Remember These Spots

One constant of an Ontario winter is snow. Sometimes quite a bit. Snow, like wind and rain, can do a lot of harm to our homes and health. During the winter months, it is crucial that we stay on top of the snow situation. Even if we’re all familiar with the process of shovelling snow or snow removal, how can you be sure that you’ve covered every inch of your property?

Here are some popular (and some less common) areas that should always be part of your snow clearing routine, regardless of whether you’re a die-hard old schooler who swears by the shovel or an advocate for the ease and technology of a snow blower:

Foundation

It’s likely that you’ll move on to the areas immediately surrounding your house when you’ve finished with the driveway, front porch, and walkways. Keep the ground around your house’s foundation free as you work. It’s possible for snowmelt water to sneak into your home through foundation cracks. Before the winter season arrives, it’s important to check for cracks in these locations.

In and out drives and sidewalks

Preventing slips and falls and frost damage both necessitate clearing walks and roads. Hidden by snow, frost can wreak havoc on concrete and asphalt, causing cracks and other damage. You may avoid any unpleasant surprises in the spring by keeping these places free of snow.

Roof

Although many of us would rather leave the snow on our roof (it looks so pretty on holiday cards!) it is an area that need equal attention. Water infiltration can be caused by ice dams. These form when the roof surface is warm enough to melt snow but the air temperature is still cold enough to refreeze it. Use a roof rake to remove the first few feet of snow off your roof after a snowstorm. The alternative is to get some help from an expert.

Pipes and valves for releasing exhaust gases outside

As you clear the snow from around your home’s perimeter, check to see that the external exhaust pipes and vents. This is especially for your heating appliances (including your furnace, dryer, fireplace, and stove) are not blocked by snow or ice. Blocked exhaust pipes and vents can prevent these appliances from functioning properly, which can result in a fatal buildup of carbon monoxide.

Wells in windows

Get rid of the snow from the window wells of your home. When snow melts, it can seep into your basement and cause damage to your window frames, walls, and other finishes. This would be the case if it has accumulated in your window wells. Covering your window wells to keep the cold out is another option to think about.

Related posts