How to ‘Winterize’ Your Inspection Findings for Long-Term Home Health

You’ve survived the buying process, the inspection is complete, and you have the keys to your new Calgary home. Congratulations!

Now, you are holding a detailed NexLevel inspection report. It might feel overwhelming, but that report is actually your secret weapon against Calgary’s harshest season. A home inspection isn’t just a snapshot of the home’s condition on buying day; it is a long-term maintenance roadmap.

Translating your inspection findings into concrete “winterization” steps is the best way to protect your investment from ice damming, frozen pipes, and inefficient heating bills. Here is how to turn that report data into winter armor for your home.

1. The Report Section: Roofing & Attic

The Winter Threat: Attic Rain and Ice Damming.

In Calgary, small attic issues become massive winter headaches. “Attic rain”—where frost builds up in the attic during deep freezes and rains down when it warms up—is a common local plague caused by poor ventilation and air sealing.

How to ‘Winterize’ the Findings:

• Review Ventilation Notes: Did your report mention blocked soffit vents or inadequate roof vents? Clearing these before the snow falls is crucial to allow warm, moist air to escape, preventing frost buildup.

• Seal the Gaps: Look for findings regarding “air sealing” around attic hatches, light fixtures, or plumbing stacks. Sealing these gaps stops warm house air from entering the cold attic—the primary cause of attic rain.

• Address Insulation Voids: If the inspector noted areas with missing or compressed insulation, top them up now to keep heat in the living space where it belongs.

2. The Report Section: Heating System (HVAC)

The Winter Threat: Furnace Failure and High Energy Bills.

Your furnace is the heart of your home during a Calgary winter. Minor observations in an autumn inspection can turn into a no-heat emergency in January.

How to ‘Winterize’ the Findings:

• The Filter Reminder: Your report likely notes the location and condition of the furnace filter. Replace it now and buy extras. A clogged filter forces the furnace to overwork, leading to premature failure.

• Humidifier Check: Did the report note an old or scaled-up humidifier pad? Replace it. Proper humidity makes the home feel warmer at lower temperatures, saving energy.

• Act on “Service Recommended”: If your inspector noted the furnace hadn’t been serviced recently, schedule a professional cleaning and tune-up immediately. Don’t wait for the first -30°C day.

3. The Report Section: Exterior & Plumbing

The Winter Threat: Frozen Pipes and Water Penetration.

Water expands when it freezes. If water is trapped where it shouldn’t be—inside a pipe or against your foundation—it will cause expensive damage.

How to ‘Winterize’ the Findings:

• Disconnect Hose Bibs: This is the #1 most common preventable winter issue. Did the report note hoses still attached? Remove them and drain the exterior faucet to prevent burst pipes inside the wall.

• Gutter Extensions: Review the “Grading and Drainage” section. If downspouts were noted as discharging too close to the foundation, add extensions now. You want snowmelt moving away from the house during freeze/thaw cycles to prevent basement leaks.

• Seal Exterior Cracks: Look for notes on exterior caulking or siding gaps. Seal these before winter to stop moisture from getting behind the cladding and freezing, which makes cracks bigger.

NexLevel Home Inspections provides more than just a list of defects; we provide the knowledge you need to be a confident, proactive homeowner. By using your report to prepare for winter, you ensure your home remains healthy, efficient, and safe for years to come.

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