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Five home projects to do before the snow flies
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A little elbow grease in fall could save you from leaks, creaks and busted pipes when winter comes to town
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By Jay Somerset
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3. Check window seals
If you've opened up your windows in the summer, chances are there's dirt and debris along the seal, which means the windows won't properly seal in the winter and you'll lose efficiency. By simply cleaning the seals (and replacing any damaged spots) you'll keep in the heat all winter long.
"Light a candle and hold it around the perimeters of each window from inside your home,” recommends Watson. "If the flame flickers, you've got a draft. Get some window caulk and caulk the windows from the inside.” Then, on window parts that move, install some window stripping. "We're talking a few dollars,” says Watson, "but you'll save yourself hundreds in energy bills over one year.”
4. Winterize your pipes
Take a peak under your house or in your basement for any pipes that need insulating or that require new insulation. Measure the length and then wrap it with pipe insulation. “Insulation prevents pipes from bursting and puts less demand on your hot water heater,” says Watson. “If the pipe is freezing cold, the heater will first have to heat the pipe before you get any water.”
So simple, and yet such a pain to do in cold weather. Do it now. But wait-one more thing. Planning on building an outdoor rink this winter? Unless you want to run a hose from your kitchen or, worse, your beloved workshop, ice-proof your outdoor faucet now, before it freezes up and you're left feeding a dirty hose through a window.
5. Check the deck
You've stored away the patio furniture, now do a quick once-over of the deck. Did you forget to treat it this summer? Clean it now by giving the deck a solid clean (using a power-washer if you've got one) and then apply a coat of water-sealant. Done and done.
“Tighten up any loose screws, hammer down any loose nails, then take a close look: if there are brown or grey areas, seal it off now. That's it-five quick projects that'll curry favour with your family through March, just in time for spring cleaning.
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