Once winter hits in Alberta, it’s important that RTM homeowners stay on top of certain tasks to ensure the quality and durability of their builds throughout the colder months. Below, we’ll go over a few vital tasks for maintaining your RTM home throughout the winter and how you can get the perfect RTM floor plan from Blue Hills Construction!
The Importance of RTM Home Winter Maintenance
Alberta winters can create very harsh conditions that cause issues for houses, from leaky roofs to backed-up pipes. Whether you have an RTM, modular, or classic stick-frame house, your home is susceptible to damage from the elements if not properly cared for.
At Blue Hills, we construct our RTMs with only the highest-quality materials to ensure your home can withstand snow and hailstorms, gale-force winds, and other common seasonal challenges. Looking after the exterior, HVAC system, plumbing, and other essential parts of your home will help you maintain the high quality of your RTM’s build, ensuring a beautiful home for years to come!
Do RTMs Need Different Maintenance than Traditional Houses?
RTM (Ready-To-Move) homes and traditional stick-frame houses share many of the same maintenance requirements, as each is constructed to the same building code standards. However, homeowners of newly built RTMs should keep a close eye on their foundation once winter begins.
RTM homes in Alberta are built at construction sites and moved to their final location, so when they’re installed, there’s generally some shifting that occurs. This can cause cracks, misaligned doors and windows, and other damage. Our team at Blue Hills immediately addresses any shifts or cracks caused by the installation and completes all repairs before giving you the final go-ahead to move in.
That said, throughout your RTM’s first winter, regularly check your foundation for cracks or signs of wear and tear. As your home settles during the seasonal change, the ground may shift, causing cracks or minor damage. This is normal for most houses and isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, conducting regular inspections of your foundation and maintaining proper drainage around your RTM will help prevent further damage caused by shifting.
Your Winter Maintenance Checklist
To get your RTM home winter-ready and maintain it throughout the season, there are a few key practices you can adopt into your home maintenance routine. These include:
- Inspecting your roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after snow, hail, or wind storms
- Checking your basement for leakage during chinooks and other warmer winter periods
- Cleaning your sink, tub, shower, and dishwasher drains
- If you live in a rural part of Alberta, setting mouse traps!
- Monitoring your heating system and regularly changing the filter
Following these tasks throughout the winter will ensure your RTM home stays cozy, comfortable, and durable throughout the season and for years after!
Endure Alberta Winters with Blue Hills Construction
With a few routine maintenance checks, you can keep your RTM home safe and sound during the winter months. At Blue Hills Construction, we provide quality RTMs for new homeowners in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. If you’re looking for an efficient and affordable home for your farm or rural property, we’re your connection.
Contact us today to learn more about our RTM floor plans, customizations, and more.