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Top Tips for Preparing Your Home for Saskatchewan’s Winter
Winter in Saskatchewan is known for its biting cold, heavy snowfalls, and freezing winds. As a homeowner, it’s essential to prepare your property to withstand these extreme conditions while ensuring comfort and safety for your family. Taking proactive steps now can prevent costly repairs and help you avoid energy inefficiencies during the long winter months. Here are the top tips for preparing your home for Saskatchewan’s harsh winter:
1. Ensure Proper Insulation
The first line of defense against the cold is a well-insulated home. Poor insulation can lead to significant heat loss, higher energy bills, and cold spots in your home. Start by checking the insulation in your attic and crawl spaces, as these are often the primary areas for heat loss. Ensure that your walls and floors have adequate insulation as well, and seal any gaps where cold air can seep in. A well-insulated home not only improves comfort but also boosts energy efficiency, keeping your heating system from overworking.
2. Check Your Heating System
Your furnace will be working overtime during Saskatchewan winters, so make sure it’s ready for the task. Schedule a professional HVAC inspection to ensure your heating system is in top condition. Replace filters to improve efficiency and indoor air quality, and test your thermostat to ensure it’s functioning properly. If you rely on a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned to remove soot and creosote buildup, reducing the risk of chimney fires.
3. Seal Windows and Doors
Drafty windows and doors can let cold air into your home, causing your heating system to work harder and increasing your energy costs. Inspect the seals around windows and doors, paying close attention to weatherstripping and caulking. Replacing old or damaged seals can significantly improve energy efficiency and keep your home warmer. Additionally, consider adding window film or insulated curtains for an extra layer of protection against the cold.
4. Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a common and costly problem during Saskatchewan’s winter. To avoid this, make sure your pipes are properly insulated, especially in areas that are prone to freezing, such as basements, attics, and garages. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off the water supply to exterior faucets. If you plan to leave your home for an extended period, consider leaving a trickle of water running to prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Prepare for Snow and Ice
Heavy snowfall and ice accumulation are part of Saskatchewan’s winter landscape. Ensure you have the proper equipment to clear snow and ice from your driveway, walkways, and roof. Stock up on salt or sand to prevent slippery surfaces. If you have a flat or low-pitched roof, consider investing in a roof rake to prevent ice dams, which can cause water to seep into your home. It’s also a good idea to inspect and clean your gutters, ensuring that melting snow has a clear path to drain away from your foundation.
6. Check Your Roof
Before the snow arrives, inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Any weak spots in your roof can allow water to penetrate, leading to leaks and potentially serious damage. Repair any issues before the first snowfall to prevent costly repairs later on. It’s also wise to ensure your roof is equipped to handle the weight of snow, particularly if you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall.
7. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Winter storms can lead to power outages, sometimes lasting for hours or even days. Prepare for these scenarios by stocking up on essential supplies, including blankets, batteries, flashlights, and non-perishable food. Having a backup power source, like a generator, can also be invaluable during extended outages. If you rely on heating systems that need electricity to operate, make sure you have alternative heating methods, such as a wood-burning stove or propane heater.
8. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With your heating system running constantly and the potential for using alternative heating sources like fireplaces or generators, it’s crucial to ensure your home’s safety devices are working. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Replace batteries as needed and make sure detectors are installed on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Preparing your home for Saskatchewan’s winter takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. These steps not only help you stay comfortable but also protect your property from winter’s harsh elements. Proper preparation reduces the risk of costly repairs, keeps energy bills in check, and ensures your home remains a safe haven throughout the season.
Spring Into Indoor Plant Care
Hey, plant-loving people!
It’s springtime, and you know what that means – it’s time to dust off those green thumbs and prepare your indoor plants for the season! Here are some tips that will help your plant babies bloom and thrive:
Brighten up their day:
Just like you, plants need their daily dose of sunshine. Find a bright spot in your house where they can soak up some indirect sunlight without getting scorched. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, rotate them occasionally to keep them growing evenly.
Give them a drink:
Your plants may be thirsty, but don’t go overboard with the H2O. Remember that drowning them is just as bad as leaving them thirsty. Check the soil every few days and only water them when the top inch is dry. And don’t forget to drain any excess water from the pot to avoid root rot!
Feed them some love:
Spring is the perfect time to show your plants love with a little plant food. You can pick up some organic fertilizer or try a liquid fertilizer for a quick boost. Just be sure to read the instructions and follow the recommended dosage.
Keep them cozy:
As the temperature fluctuates, ensure your plants aren’t feeling the chill. Keep them away from drafty spots and avoid placing them too close to the heater. You don’t want your plants catching a cold, do you?
Give them a haircut:
Like your hair, your plants need a trim every now and then. Pruning helps keep them healthy and encourages new growth. Grab sharp scissors and snip away any dead or dying leaves or branches.
Give them room to grow:
If your plants are feeling a bit cramped, give them some more space by repotting them. This will help them stretch out their roots and get some fresh soil to play in. Plus, it’s always fun to pick out a new pot, right?
Pamper those leaves:
Dust can accumulate on your plant’s leaves, which can make it harder for them to breathe. Give them a spa day by wiping them down with a damp cloth or a soft brush. They’ll thank you with some extra-pretty foliage.
There you have it, folks! With these tips, your indoor plants will flourish in no time. Happy planting!
If you need a great new home to display your plants in, contact me today!
Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Well, Saskatoon, it looks like we’ll be spending another summer close to home. With the real estate market as hot as it is right now, it’s evident that some people are taking the opportunity to upgrade their living situations. Imagine finding a home with a great outdoor space—kids’ playset included. Or what if it has a pool? How amazing will your summer be with access to your very own backyard oasis?
If it’s possible to change your primary residence to suit your desired lifestyle better, that is a great option. If you are unable to find your family’s perfect home, what can you do to improve your outdoor space? The good news is, there’s plenty you can do to enhance the outdoor area you do have while you are waiting to move!
Furnishings: Need a place to relax and enjoy your outdoor space? Purchase hardy outdoor furnishings that stand up well to our climate.
Heat It Up: A fire pit or fire table can turn your outdoor space into an inviting gathering place. Adding a heat source to your outdoor space will also increase the amount of time you can enjoy it.
Spruce Up Your Gathering Space: If you have a deck, consider sanding and restaining it to freshen it up. If you have a patio, use a pressure washer to make your blocks look new again and take care of weeds or grass growing between the blocks.
Light It Up: Not only can lights transform the look of outdoor space, but they can also add nighttime safety and security.
Add a Water Feature: A water feature can be a great focal point, easy to install and maintain and come in many affordable options and sizes. Choose from tabletop fountains to large rock features. A successful outdoor space takes all senses into account, including sound. And there is no sound more relaxing than moving water!
Make a Walking Path: Use mulch, stones slabs, or paving stones, to lead to a bench or chair in your favorite spot.
Create Privacy: There’s nothing better about living in Saskatoon than the friendliness of familiarity you’ll feel with your neighbours. But sometimes, you just want to relax without worrying that Wilson next door will hassle you the moment you open the patio door! Adding a fence can help create privacy from neighbors and boundaries from other areas of your home. In urban climates, you may want to add a privacy wall to your deck or patio as well. Creating privacy will give your outdoor space a sense of coziness.
Add Potted Plants: Simple, yet effective, adding potted plants adds an extra touch of green into your outdoor oasis, whether you’re working with a full backyard or cozy condo balcony. Plus, if you’re thinking about selling, it can be an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal for sale, too!
Create a Shady Place: When the sun is too hot to handle, have a place you can go to escape. A pergola, canvas pole tent, curtains, or a taut piece of canvas will do the trick.
No matter what your outdoor space may look like, there are plenty of ways to boost its appeal while you are waiting to move. And if you find it still just doesn’t feel right, we can always, of course, speed up the timeline and start your home search sooner!
