Winter can be an especially harsh season to deal with, especially if you're unprepared. Luckily, there are several things you can do to winterize your home, like a pro handyman Parkdale before the cold arrives. Check out these steps below and arm yourself against the cold that's sure to come in this upcoming winter season!

Gather Supplies

You may not think about it, but your home could be in need of winterizing even if you live in a temperate climate—particularly if you leave it unattended for long periods of time. If you're planning to hit the road with family and friends, make sure to put together a checklist of supplies that will help your abode stand up against all kinds of weather while you're away. You might not find an exact list in stores, but chances are your local hardware store can get you close. Just ask what they recommend for homes left empty during the winter months. Here are some things handymen often advise including on your checklist

Check for Leaks in Insulation and Fittings

Are you noticing water dripping on your floor? If so, check for leaks in your insulation. If it looks like something is leaking through any of your home's fittings or pipes, you may need to replace them before winter sets in. Once snow and ice begin falling and accumulating on your roof, it'll be almost impossible to repair these leaks without the serious danger of slip-and-fall injuries. Check for leaks early—as well as around windows, doors, vents, gutters and any other place that might cause leakage—to ensure that they don't get worse by next winter.

Have All Appliances Serviced

Have your heating and cooling systems serviced for efficiency and safety. If you're going out of town for an extended period of time, it's essential that you have all appliances inspected. While you're at it, be sure to have your plumbing checked, too—you don't want any surprises when it comes time to use them. And if you don't know anything about electricity or plumbing, call in an expert before things go awry. You can easily find a reputable handyman Parkdale who can help you during your winter home maintenance check-up.

Repair Damaged Flooring

According to experts, you should inspect your floors often and repair any damage that could get worse over time. Water damage can go unnoticed until it's too late and becomes obvious by buckling or cracking floorboards. Get rid of any standing water in your home by installing a sump pump if necessary. If you live in an area that gets lots of snowfall, shovelling is particularly important; even if it's just snow, moisture from melted ice can seep into cracks in your floor and cause damage. As freezing temperatures arrive, check for drafts around windows and doors—allowing cold air inside can also cause issues with floors over time.

Inspect Outside of House

Inspect your gutters, chimney, attic and exterior walls for signs of water damage. If you notice any issues with holes or cracks, now is a good time to fix them before winter. It's also important that no leaves or other debris have been collected in hard-to-reach places like your roof gutters. If these clog during winter storms, it could lead to flooding inside your home. For an extra layer of protection against leaks and mould, be sure that all outside drains are clear as well. It's a smart move for DIYers—hiring handyman Parkdaleto to do some of these jobs!