Insulation: a basic principal for retaining heat!

The most effective way to save on energy costs and ensure your comfort is to have excellent insulation of your interior and exterior walls, ceilings and even the house’s foundation. Polyform offers a complete range of insulation boards made of expanded polystyrene (EPS), an environmentally friendly material known for its durability and very stable long-term insulation factor. If your home isn’t already insulated with EPS boards, it is worth taking a look around the structure to see if any renovation work is needed!

A durable structure also depends on a good foundation and solid walls!

A visual inspection of the foundation and walls is also needed to spot any cracks, which should be sealed. This will prevent water infiltration and damage caused by freezing and thawing. Also make sure the exterior siding of the house is in good condition and securely attached.

A good roof needs proper maintenance!

Check the condition of the roof covering and replace or repair any missing, loose or broken shingles. If the roof covering is more than 20 years old, have it inspected by a licensed contractor.

Avoid water damage!

Before the winter cold sets in, check the condition of the plumbing structure and remember to cut the water supply to the external water faucets. Once the water is turned off, open the outside water faucets to let the water drain, then turn them off again. The garden hoses and sprinklers should also be completely drained and properly stored indoors to prevent them from freezing and getting damaged in the winter.

Don’t neglect the gutters!

Cleaning gutters and down pipes is a very important task in the fall, as clogged gutters can cause water to back up into your roof. That’s why it’s important, in late fall, to carefully remove all the dead leaves from the gutters so that the water can move freely. Also run water through the down pipes to make sure it flows well.

Swimming pools bring a lot of joy in the summer, but some work in the fall!

From mid-October, it’s time to winterize your pool! Follow the instructions provided in the owner’s manual, or use the services of a pools and spas expert.

Tend to your garden in the fall to watch it bloom in the spring!

You take good care of your lawn during the spring and summer time, so don’t neglect the few tasks required in the fall to protect all your hard work during the harsh winter months! It’s well worth investing a few hours on your property to prune your shrubs and hedges, remove branches that have fallen to the ground, and collect dead leaves. While leaves can be used as a fertilizer, be aware that a thick coat of fallen leaves can also damage the grass. However, mowing over the leaves on a regular basis will result in a thin layer of crushed leaves that will fertilize your lawn naturally!

This is also the time to weed the garden, empty and store away the patio pots and flower boxes, and bring your house plants indoors, including herbs that can also be grown inside the house, as long as they are given plenty of light.

Put away the garden furniture and barbecue!

Some people forget to take care of their barbecue before winter, but it also needs proper maintenance! Shut off the propane cylinder valve, then clean it thoroughly and store it in the garage or shed.

Finally, to keep your garden furniture in good condition year after year, store it away or use a protective covering.

And finally, plan for the unexpected!

The smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be checked regularly, as well as security alarms. Season changes are a good time to do this small task that could save your life and the lives of your loved ones! Check that they are working properly, dust them off and change the batteries. Also check the condition of the fire extinguishers, and make sure they are easily accessible and that everyone in your household knows how to use them. It is also important to have a supply of batteries, flashlights, candles and lighters, and a grab-and-go emergency kit!