Winter-Ready Home Checklist For Windsor-Essex
Windsor-Essex winters might be milder than London or northern Ontario, but we still see long stretches below freezing, icy side streets, and 30–40 cm of snow per month in peak winter. The problem here is less “blizzards every day” and more sudden swings: rain, freeze, thaw, black ice, and heavy, wet snow that’s hard on roofs, roads, and vehicles.
This winter-ready checklist is built specifically with Windsor-Essex in mind, covering both home and vehicle so you can reduce emergencies, avoid surprise repair bills, and keep your family safe.
1. Start Outside: Roof, Gutters, Walkways
a) Inspect your roof and gutters
Freeze–thaw cycles and heavy, wet snow can expose any weak spots.
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Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles.
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Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris so meltwater can drain properly.
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Make sure downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from the foundation.
Home maintenance guides consistently recommend a pre-winter roof inspection and gutter clean-out to avoid leaks and ice dams.
b) Walkways, steps, and railings
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Repair loose or cracked steps and walkways before they become trip hazards under snow.
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Install or tighten handrails at front and back entrances.
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Stock up on pet-safe ice melt or sand and keep a bucket by each door.
This is not just comfort; slip-and-fall injuries are a big winter risk.
2. Protect Your Plumbing From Freezing
Frozen pipes are one of the most expensive and disruptive winter problems, and they absolutely can happen in Windsor-Essex when cold snaps hit.
a) Outside water lines
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Turn off the interior shut-off valves for exterior taps.
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Open outside faucets to drain them fully.
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Disconnect and store hoses.
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Add an insulated cover over outdoor faucets for extra protection.
b) Exposed and vulnerable interior pipes
Focus on pipes in:
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Unheated basements
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Crawl spaces
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Garages
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Exterior walls (kitchens and bathrooms on outside walls)
Checklist:
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Add foam pipe insulation sleeves or wrap pipes with insulation tape.
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Seal gaps where pipes enter the home to reduce cold drafts.
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During extreme cold snaps, open cabinet doors under sinks and consider letting faucets drip slightly on vulnerable lines to relieve pressure if they do start to freeze.
c) Sump pump and backwater valve
Windsor-Essex can swing from deep freeze to heavy rain very quickly.
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Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to confirm it kicks on.
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Check your backwater valve (if you have one) for debris and proper function.
A little attention here can prevent a basement flood when snow starts melting.
3. Get Your Heating System Ready
Your furnace or boiler becomes the star of the show in January. A quick tune-up can improve efficiency, extend equipment life, and reduce the risk of mid-winter breakdowns.
Heating checklist:
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Book an annual furnace service with a licensed HVAC technician.
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Change or clean furnace filters before winter, then every 1–3 months.
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Make sure all supply and return vents are clear of furniture and rugs.
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If you have a gas fireplace, schedule a cleaning and safety check.
Thermostat tips for Windsor-Essex:
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Aim to keep your home at a consistent temperature (often around 20–21°C) in winter, and do not let it drop too low at night to protect pipes.
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Consider a smart thermostat if you travel or work irregular hours so you can monitor and adjust temps remotely.
4. Safety Systems: Detectors, Extinguishers, And Backup Plans
a) Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms
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Test CO and smoke detectors and replace batteries yearly.
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Ensure there is a CO detector on every level with a gas appliance, plus near bedrooms.
b) Fire extinguisher
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Keep at least one multi-purpose extinguisher in the kitchen and another near the furnace room.
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Check expiry dates and pressure gauges.
c) Power outage kit for home
Windsor-Essex does see power outages during ice storms and heavy winds.
Include:
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Flashlights and headlamps (avoid relying on candles)
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Extra batteries and a battery-powered lantern
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Charged power banks for phones
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Three days of non-perishable food and bottled water
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Manual can opener
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Blankets and warm layers
5. Quick Home Winter-Ready Checklist
Use this as a “print and stick on the fridge” mini-list:
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☐ Roof inspected, gutters cleared
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☐ Exterior faucets drained and covered, hoses stored
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☐ Exposed pipes insulated and gaps sealed
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☐ Furnace serviced, filter changed
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☐ Thermostat programmed for consistent heat
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☐ CO and smoke alarms tested
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☐ Sump pump tested, backwater valve checked
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☐ Ice melt, shovels, and walkways ready
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☐ Home emergency kit stocked
Why This Matters For Your Home’s Value
A home that is clearly well maintained through winter stands out to buyers:
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Fewer “red flags” on inspection
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Lower risk of water damage or foundation issues from freeze–thaw cycles
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Documentation of regular maintenance (furnace service, roof checks, etc.) can help reassure buyers that the home has been cared for
If you are thinking about selling in the next 6–18 months, getting winter-ready is not just about comfort. It is about protecting your largest asset and presenting it at its best when you decide to list.
If you would like a pre-listing walkthrough to prioritize winter maintenance and cosmetic updates that will matter most to buyers in Windsor-Essex, that is exactly the kind of strategy session a good local real estate team can provide.
If you have questions about your home’s value or the real estate market in Windsor and Essex County, The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is always here to help. Connect with our team of experienced professionals, 7 days/week.
This blog is not intended to replace legal, environmental, accounting or insurance advice, nor is it intended to solicit those under contract with another brokerage.
