Top three ways to keep your home safe, dry and warm on Vancouver Island this winter

This weather has been a surprise for most Vancouver Island residents, and it seems that the worst isn't over yet! The 2017 Farmers Almanac calls for a mix of snow and showers in our region till the end of January 2017. So, this winter, when it comes to your home, taking a look at a few of these areas could save you a lot of headache and money. 

1. Make sure your gutters are obstruction free, catch basins are open, and ditches are clear. 

Basically, allthough it may be frozen over right now, take a look to ensure that there isn't any potential for water flow obstruction in your drains, gutters, pipes, catch basins and ditches . You want to make sure that the water can flow away from your home when the rain and the warmth do come. Making sure there is no water collecting near the house will also ensure nothing cracks or breaks in a subsequent cold snap. Like they say, "a stitch in time saves nine." 

2. Check your roof for heat loss. 

To assess your roof for heat loss, step outside and take a look. 
Is the snow melting unevenly, or is there a uniform cover over the entire roof?
If you see some localized melting this is probably where heat is escaping from your home.  If you own an newer home and don't see any issues with your roof, we generally advise that you stay out of your attic. Attics are sensitive envrionments, and are best left untrafficked. 
In our experience, a lack of insulation and improper ventillation are just the beginning of a long list of issues that cause heat loss. So, if you do see any evidence of this, we reccomend you contact a professional. 

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3. Drain exterior pipes. 

Take a look at your hose bib's. Most typical Vancouver Island homes generally have two different types of bibs. "Frost free" bib's are more common in newer homes, and are self draining.
In older homes, an internal shut off valve is installed to allow you to shut water off to the exterior bib. When dealing with below zero temperatures it's a good idea to ensure your bib's are free and clear of water. This will make sure the pipes don't freeze in the event of a deep chill. 
If you are still concerned, you can also purchase faucet covers at most hardware stores that will protect pipes from freezing temperatures. If you find anything has frozen, contact a professional before the thaw. This may help keep the damage to a minimum in the case of frozen pipes. 

If you're having trouble in any of these areas, or have any other issues needing immediate attention, please don't hesitate to contact our expert team at : 250 248 1069