Cold Weather Home Maintenance: How to Protect Your Home During Winter
Cold, snowy weather can be tough on your home if you’re not prepared. From icy walkways to frozen pipes and unexpected power outages, winter brings challenges that are easier (and far less costly) to prevent than to fix.
With a few smart steps and the right supplies, homeowners can keep their homes safe, functional, and protected all season long. Here’s a practical winter maintenance guide using reliable products available at Haney Builders Supplies.
1. Keep Walkways and Driveways Safe
Snow and ice buildup isn’t just inconvenient — it’s a serious safety risk for family members, visitors, and delivery drivers.
Winter essentials:
- SHOP Snow shovels to clear walkways, steps, and driveways before snow turns into ice
- BUY Ice melt to break down ice on concrete and paved surfaces
- BUY Sand for added traction, especially during extreme cold
- BUY Anti-slip grip strips for outdoor stairs, decks, and ramps
Tip: Apply ice melt early to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces and becoming harder to remove.
2. Protect Outdoor Faucets and Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and expensive winter home repairs — and one of the easiest to prevent.
Simple solutions:
- BUY Styrofoam faucet protectors to insulate outdoor taps
- SHOP Pipe insulation for exposed plumbing in garages, basements, and crawl spaces
Tip: Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water lines before freezing temperatures arrive.
3. Store Winter Gear and Valuables Properly
Moisture, snow, and freezing temperatures can damage tools, decorations, and outdoor equipment.
Smart storage options:
- BUY Rubber storage bins with lids to keep items dry and protected
- Durable containers for winter gear, ice melt, tools, and seasonal decorations
Tip: Store frequently used winter supplies near entrances so they’re easy to access during storms.
4. Be Ready for Snowstorms and Power Outages
Winter storms can arrive quickly, and power outages are common during heavy snow and high winds. Preparing ahead of time keeps your household safe and comfortable.
Emergency and power essentials:
- Generators to provide backup power for essential appliances and devices
- Outdoor-rated extension cords for safe generator use
- Flashlights to move safely through your home during outages
- Extra batteries so lighting and safety devices stay operational
- Safety kits with emergency lighting and basic supplies for winter situations
SHOP BATTERIES AND FLASHLIGHTS
Safety reminder: Always operate generators outdoors and away from windows and doors, and follow manufacturer safety guidelines.
5. Small Winter Steps Prevent Big Repairs
Clearing snow, preventing ice buildup, protecting plumbing, and preparing for outages can save homeowners thousands of dollars in potential repairs. In BC’s unpredictable winter conditions, being proactive makes all the difference.
Get Winter-Ready at Haney Builders Supplies
Whether you’re preparing before the first snowfall or restocking mid-season, Haney Builders Supplies has the winter essentials homeowners need — from snow shovels and ice melt to faucet protectors, generators, safety kits, and durable storage solutions.
Visit us in store or shop online to make sure your home is ready for whatever winter brings.