Edmonton winters can be severe. With freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and fluctuating chinooks, your home goes through a lot from November to March — and the thaw in spring can be just as challenging. Properly winterizing your house helps protect against costly damage, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your family comfortable all season long.

Here are the best practices and action steps Edmonton homeowners can take to winterize their homes — protecting them through the deep freeze of winter and the thaw of spring.

1. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

Cold air loves to sneak in through gaps, driving up heating bills and making your home uncomfortable.

What to do:

• Apply weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Re-caulk any gaps in exterior trim or siding.
• Install storm doors or energy-efficient windows if possible.

2. Service Your Furnace

Your heating system works hardest in Edmonton winters, and a breakdown in -30°C weather is the last thing you want.

What to do:

• Schedule an annual furnace inspection before the cold hits.
• Replace filters every 1–3 months.
• Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system to cut heating costs.

3. Protect Plumbing from Freezing

Frozen pipes are a common winter emergency that can cause flooding when they thaw.

What to do:

• Drain and shut off exterior water lines.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (garages, basements, crawl spaces).
• Keep cabinet doors open under sinks on extremely cold days to allow warm air circulation.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

When snow and ice melt, clogged gutters can cause water to back up, leading to ice dams and leaks during the thaw.

What to do:

• Remove leaves and debris in late fall.
• Check that downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet away from your foundation.
• Consider adding gutter guards for long-term protection.

5. Inspect the Roof

Heavy snow buildup combined with ice dams can cause serious damage to shingles and leaks in the spring.

What to do:

• Inspect shingles for cracks or missing sections before winter.
• Ensure attic insulation and ventilation are adequate to prevent ice dams.
• Hire a professional to remove excessive snow from the roof if needed.

6. Prepare Your Foundation for the Thaw

The freeze-thaw cycle in Edmonton can shift soil and increase the risk of basement leaks.

What to do:

• Seal visible cracks in your foundation before winter.
• Ensure grading slopes away from your house to keep spring melt water moving.
• Test sump pumps and back-up systems to handle runoff in the spring.

7. Winterize Outdoor Spaces

Decks, patios, and landscaping can also suffer during harsh winters if not prepared.

What to do:

• Store outdoor furniture to prevent weather damage.
• Stain or seal wood decks before snow and ice.
• Trim trees and shrubs away from your roof and siding to avoid breakage from heavy snow.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your Edmonton home is about more than surviving the cold — it’s about protecting your investment through both the freeze of winter and the thaw of spring. By taking preventative steps now, you can avoid costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

At Four Elements, we understand the unique challenges Edmonton homeowners face with our climate. Whether it’s upgrading insulation, replacing windows, or tackling a renovation that improves energy efficiency, we can help you prepare your home for winter and beyond.