Quick tips to get your Nanaimo home ready for winter


            The winter months are quickly approaching, so be sure that you and your Nanaimo home are ready for the winter months ahead.  It is very important to safely get onto your roof to inspect for missing shingles or other factors that may lead to a leaky roof. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, call in a professional and have them take care of the rooftop work for you.  Inspect doors and windows to ensure that the weather-stripping is in good condition to keep your house warmer and cozier in the winter months.

            Make sure that your heater and ventilation systems are in good working order.  Clean out accessible ducts and replace filters where necessary.  Inspect your chimney for creosote and call a chimney sweep to keep your fireplace safe and functional.  Now's the time to clean out those rain gutters.  If you want to do it yourself, make sure that you can safely access the gutters and then scoop out any debris, blast the drains clean with a high-powered hose, and repair any leaks you may find along the way. Drain water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems to keep those pipes from freezing. Disconnect and store outdoor hoses; cover outdoor faucets with foam insulators.