How to prepare you home for summer
Ahhhhh… Summer in BC! The beautiful weather, swimming in the lakes, hiking in the mountains, camping, gardening, and of course, BBQing.
Everything we have been dreaming about for the last 8 months is almost in season. Which means a few other seasons are also on the way, such as flooding season and forest fire season.
With all the snow and freezing temperatures over the winter there is a chance that pipes, hoses, and foundations have cracked. As the rain starts and spring runoff beings, creeks swell from snow melt and the chances of flooding increases. Once things start warming up and drying out, we begin to prepare for forest fires, which is unfortunately has become a very common occurrence in our beautiful province of British Columbia.
Sure, our team at Ultrawest Restoration is amazing, but it would be more amazing if you didn’t need us to repair damage to your home in the first place? Here are some ways you can be prepared and proactive this Summer giving you peace of mind so you can relax in that lawn chair drinking your favourite cold beverage without a care in the world.
Go with the flow
Water and flood damage prevention
Now that its Spring, its time to start getting the garden, lawn and plants ready for the season and we want to make sure that all hoses, faucets and underground sprinkler systems weren’t damaged over the winter. Leaks from these areas can cause damage to your garden, yard, walkways, foundations and even leak into your basement. Doing a perimeter check for any new leaks early in the year can save you a major headache and stop any water damage from entering the house. When you are checking your property for any noticeable cracks, be sure to include the roof, gutters, windows, sump pumps and foundation. Dealing with any issues in these areas early in the season can prevent water damage and a potential insurance claim, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs and a major headache. Remember, water is a sneaky little nuisance and its best stay ahead of the flow.
Light it up!
Fire damage prevention
Sitting around the fire is a favourite pastime during the summer but fire pits, tables and BBQs require regular maintenance and proper usage to keep the fires contained and to protect your home. Check the propane tanks for damage, call in a professional to check the gas lines for your BBQ to ensure they are working properly and install a fire screen in your fire pit to prevent embers from escaping. Most importantly, always check what the local fire ban is before reaching for the matches.
Forest fire season is approaching and although there is no control over this catastrophic threat, there are things you can do to keep your family prepared and safe and do your best to mitigate potential fire damage in case the winds blow in your direction. Make sure your grab bag and emergency kit are ready to go, with enough supplies for the whole family to last for a minimum of 72 hours. Move all tree branches and wood piles away from the house, along with any other flammable materials. Clear out gutters and debris from the roof and yard. Ensure your sprinkler system is up and running. Have your chimney inspected twice a year and cleaned once each year to confirm dampers are working. Following these tips will help protect your home and could help prevent the spread of wildfires.
Likely you will be spending most of your time outdoors this summer however there are a few thing to add to you checklist for inside the house as well. Be sure to check the expiry date on your fire extinguisher! Test smoke detectors, make sure they are up to industry standards, including carbon monoxide alarm to alert you if there is a leak of this toxic gas. Time flies and its easy to forget about these little things but to ensure your family is safe, adding this to your spring checklist can be the difference between life and death. Having the right home insurance coverage will help you financially in the event of a fire or smoke damage, however taking preventative measures to minimize risk and damage is vital
Its good to be high maintenance
Regular maintenance and attention to your home each spring can keep your property value up and help you maximize your return on investment. It can also allow you to maximize your enjoyment all summer long because preventative maintenance will help you avoid potential disasters during your summer vacation. The combination of cold temperatures, snow and ice during the winter months can cause damage to your home so its important to preform some preventative maintenance throughout the house and yard. Start with the general yard clean up, inspect your home for cracks, mold and pealing paint, and even clean out that dryer vent. It is always recommended to have a professional check your AC unit and HVAC system each spring to ensure it will keep running when you need it most. Replace the air filters, clean the system and check to make sure the thermostat is working properly. These little things can go along way and allow you to focus on your tan this summer.
By following these recommendations, you can prepare your home and yard for the summer and ensure your family can enjoy the season in comfort. There is no price to peace of mind and having a healthy spring check list will put your mind at ease all season. Knowing that you did everything you could do to prevent disaster is great, but we all know that these things can happen at any time, to anyone, even if you did all the right things. Know that Ultrawest Restoration is always there to support you, rain or shine, hot or cold, flood or fire, we are just a phone call away!
