Greg discusses home maintenance tasks to take on while the weather is still warm in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: Well, we've still got some time, but that window is closing.
It's time to get ready for winter, and that means some home maintenance and some reminders. Some tips today from our insurance expert on 800 CHAB, Greg Marcyniuk. Greg, it's that time when we should really. Well, we start with the eavestroughs, don't we?
Greg Marcyniuk: Yes, we sure do. And because of the fact that, you know, fall is basically here. And you want to take advantage of this warm weather that, hopefully, we'll get for at least another month to make sure that everything is taken care of, any potential problems, so that you're not sitting there with problems when it's 40 below.
So first of all, I really believe that everyone should have your furnaces checked by a actual, qualified technician, as well as clean and replace the furnace filter if it's needed. Also, if you have any pipes that are exposed outside, you should see that it's insulated or that they're greened and they're turned off on that.
Also, you want to check for any loose shingles. Your roof can make sure that they can withstand any sort of heavy snowfall or freezing rain so that that roof will be able to handle that. Also, you want to make sure all your garden hoses are drained because I tell you, I know I didn't this year, and I was all ticked. I had a big, long, 100-foot one, and it was done for. So, good idea to have them drained and put away.
And as you said, make sure that you clean all the eavestroughs and downspouts, and make sure the debris is all cleaned out of there as well. You should also check any of your caulking around your doors and windows that show signs of deterioration to prevent heat from escaping. And the other thing is you should have your chimney inspected, if you have an older brick chimney, to make sure that it's all well.
And inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure that they all work. And if they are not wired, check the batteries or just replace them. I know it's a good idea for October. Change them every year. I know that fire departments do as well. Make sure that you trim any trees that are overhanging your roof.
You know, we've been very fortunate here in Saskatchewan. But as weather changes, if we get any freezing rain of any sort and those tree branches break, you could have some big issues. So just make sure that all those trees are cleaned up, so nothing is going to collapse if we did get some freezing rain. Because the way the weather is going, you just never know whether or not we're going to get that.
Rob: Being proactive and getting your home maintenance done during the fall can really, really take the worries out in winter and spring. Greg Marcyniuk, these tips are available online, on your website.
Greg: That's correct. nohassleinsurance.ca, or feel free to drop by and see any of our pleasant people here down at the corner of First and Fairford Street West.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)