Property Maintenance through the Prairie Winter Months

Here are a few winter maintenance tips to ensure a smoother transition into spring:

• Keep an eye on all exhaust fans and ventilation systems to the outside. Knock away any ice that could block airflow.

• Keep a bucket of sand on hand for icy spots on your driveway or walkway as a courtesy to your mail carrier, neighbours, and visitors. It is not law to clear the city sidewalk in front of your home, however, it is a nice courtesy for your neighbours and community. It is safer to use ice melt or salt in this area, although sparingly. Mixing salt with sand is a good way to keep the long-term salt damage to a minimum, while providing passerby with a safer walkway. Never use salt on open aggregate sidewalks, use sand instead.

• Catch snow falls early when clearing the driveway and sidewalk. Ideally, you want to clear the areas before they are walked on. The heat from the soles of shoes melts into the sidewalk or driveway and makes it more difficult to remove. This is where ice built up occurs and creates a safety hazard.

• Keep an eye on windows for condensation, frost, or ice on the interior. Use a hair dryer if necessary to melt ice and a cloth to wipe away. Running your HRV to reduce moisture is ideal and remove screens from your window to prevent ice and mold buildup. Remember to run the bathroom fan when showering or bathing if your home tends to be more humid than the norm.

• Watch for drafts around windows and doors to help keep your heating bill down. If you do find drafts, a repair may be necessary but in the long run will save you money and create a warmer home.

• Check your washer and dryer cords and connections. This is not only a winter maintenance check but, a year-round practice. Particularly ensure water hoses are securely tightened and dryer vents are securely fastened. Any venting hose leaks can cause dryer lint to be blowing inside your home. Also check the lint trap in your dryer and ensure there are no leaks or tears in the mesh or grid. A buildup of lint inside the trap or dryer can cause fires.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and hazard free winter. If questions arise or maintenance is required whether inside or out, we are here to help. You can contact us at 306.351.8490, by email to info@deeganproperties.ca or on our website at www.deeganproperties.ca