Preparing Your Ottawa Home for Winter: The Complete Checklist

# Preparing Your Ottawa Home for Winter: The Complete Checklist

Ottawa winters regularly hit -25°C and dump meters of snow. A few hours of preparation in fall can prevent thousands of dollars in damage and make winter more comfortable.

## Exterior Checklist

### Roof and Gutters

- [ ] Clean gutters completely (leaves, debris, granules)

- [ ] Check gutters are securely attached

- [ ] Ensure downspouts direct water at least 6 feet from foundation

- [ ] Inspect roof for damaged or missing shingles

- [ ] Check flashing around chimneys and vents

- [ ] Clear debris from roof valleys

- [ ] Install heat cables if you have ice dam history

### Exterior Walls and Foundation

- [ ] Check caulking around windows and doors - replace if cracked

- [ ] Inspect siding for gaps or damage

- [ ] Look for cracks in foundation and seal with appropriate filler

- [ ] Ensure ground slopes away from foundation

- [ ] Check window well covers are in place and secure

### Windows and Doors

- [ ] Inspect weatherstripping on all doors - replace if worn

- [ ] Check door sweeps at bottoms of doors

- [ ] Look for gaps around windows - add caulk or foam

- [ ] Consider plastic insulation film on single-pane windows

- [ ] Ensure storm windows are installed and latched

- [ ] Check garage door seals

### Outdoor Plumbing

- [ ] Shut off outdoor water supply from inside

- [ ] Disconnect and drain all hoses

- [ ] Drain any remaining water from spigots

- [ ] Drain and store sprinkler system components

- [ ] Cover outdoor spigots with insulated covers

- [ ] Drain rain barrels

### Deck and Patio

- [ ] Store or cover patio furniture

- [ ] Bring cushions and umbrellas inside

- [ ] Clean and store BBQ (or cover if leaving out)

- [ ] Clear leaves and debris from deck surfaces

- [ ] Check deck structure for loose boards

### Trees and Landscaping

- [ ] Trim branches that overhang roof or could fall on house

- [ ] Wrap young trees to prevent frost cracks

- [ ] Mulch around perennials

- [ ] Bring in or protect sensitive container plants

- [ ] Note any trees that may need removal before they damage property

## Interior Checklist

### Heating System

- [ ] Replace furnace filter

- [ ] Schedule professional furnace maintenance/tune-up

- [ ] Test thermostat operation

- [ ] Check all heating vents are unobstructed

- [ ] Bleed radiators if you have hot water heat

- [ ] Consider upgrading to smart thermostat

### Attic and Insulation

- [ ] Check attic insulation depth (R-60 is current standard)

- [ ] Inspect for gaps or settled insulation

- [ ] Ensure vapor barrier is intact

- [ ] Check for signs of previous water infiltration

- [ ] Verify attic vents are clear

### Basement

- [ ] Test sump pump operation

- [ ] Clean sump pit of debris

- [ ] Check backup battery on sump pump

- [ ] Look for signs of water infiltration

- [ ] Ensure dehumidifier is operating properly

- [ ] Check pipes for insulation in cold areas

### Plumbing

- [ ] Know where your main water shut-off is

- [ ] Insulate pipes in unheated areas (garage, crawlspace)

- [ ] Identify pipes on exterior walls (vulnerable to freezing)

- [ ] Service hot water heater (drain sediment)

- [ ] Check for dripping faucets (freeze risk)

### Safety Systems

- [ ] Test smoke detectors and replace batteries

- [ ] Test carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

- [ ] Check fire extinguisher charge

- [ ] Review family emergency plan

- [ ] Know how to shut off gas, water, and electricity

### Windows

- [ ] Ensure all windows close and lock properly

- [ ] Check for condensation between panes (seal failure)

- [ ] Close storm windows

- [ ] Consider heavy curtains for poorly insulated windows

- [ ] Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise (pushes warm air down)

## Emergency Preparation

### Supplies to Have Ready

- [ ] Flashlights with fresh batteries

- [ ] Battery-powered radio

- [ ] Emergency water supply (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)

- [ ] Non-perishable food

- [ ] Medications

- [ ] First aid kit

- [ ] Blankets

- [ ] Phone chargers/battery packs

- [ ] Cash (ATMs may not work in power outages)

### For Power Outages

- [ ] Generator (if you have one) tested and fueled

- [ ] Know what circuits generator can handle

- [ ] Have alternate heat source for extended outages (safely)

- [ ] Identify warmest room in house if heating fails

- [ ] Know at what temperature you need to drain pipes

### Snow Removal Equipment

- [ ] Snow blower serviced and tested

- [ ] Fresh fuel (stabilized for winter storage)

- [ ] Shovels accessible

- [ ] Ice melt supply

- [ ] Sand or kitty litter for traction

- [ ] Roof rake for heavy snow events

## Vehicle Preparation

- [ ] Winter tires installed

- [ ] Emergency kit in trunk (blanket, flashlight, snacks, shovel)

- [ ] Windshield washer fluid rated for -40°C

- [ ] Battery tested

- [ ] Block heater working if equipped

- [ ] Extension cord for block heater accessible

- [ ] Ice scraper and snow brush

## During Winter - Ongoing Tasks

### After Snow/Ice Events

- Clear snow from driveway and walks within 24 hours (bylaw)

- Keep fire hydrant near your property cleared

- Clear snow from vents (furnace, dryer, range hood)

- Check for ice dam formation

- Monitor for icicles near walkways

### Cold Snap Protocol (-20°C or colder)

- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls

- Let faucets drip slightly in extreme cold

- Keep garage door closed

- Check that heating system is keeping up

- Watch for frozen pipes signs (reduced flow, frost on pipes)

### Monthly

- Check smoke/CO detector operation

- Replace furnace filter

- Clear snow from basement window wells

- Inspect attic for frost or moisture

- Run water in infrequently used fixtures

## What to Do If Pipes Freeze

1. **Keep faucet open** - water flow helps melt ice

2. **Apply gentle heat** - hair dryer, heating pad, space heater (not torch!)

3. **Start nearest the faucet** - work toward the frozen section

4. **Check other faucets** - multiple pipes may be frozen

5. **Know when to call a plumber** - if you can't locate the freeze or can't thaw it

**If a pipe bursts:**

1. Shut off main water immediately

2. Open faucets to drain remaining water

3. Call plumber

4. Begin water damage mitigation

Ottawa winters reward preparation. A few hours in fall prevents emergencies in January.