When winter weather hits, the temperatures drop, rain turns to snow, and ice begins to form wherever there is standing water. To get through the colder months without injury, it's important to stay on top of home maintenance tasks, like shoveling the driveway or using ice melt to remedy slippery surfaces leading up to the home.

Ideally, homeowners should apply ice melt just before a snowfall, spreading a light amount of de-icer to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Warm temperatures during the day can cause a light thaw, melting the top layers of snow. When night hits, the temperatures plummet and the melted snow freezes, forming a sheet of ice under the snow.

To help prevent this, homeowners should keep the walkways clear and use a small amount of ice melt to stop ice from forming. Use this guide to find out more about what ice melt is, how it works, and how to use ice melt to safely clear your home's walkways.

What Is Ice Melt and How Does It Work?

Ice melt is essentially a type of chemical compound designed to melt ice. This can be accomplished in two ways: By lowering the freezing point of water, causing it to melt at a lower temperature, or by absorbing the sun's heat and using it to melt ice into a liquid brine. The method through which the ice melt works depends on whether the chemical composition is intended for an exothermic or endothermic reaction.

Typically, ice melt products will contain sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or urea. As long as ice melt is used correctly and in safe quantities, it is an effective solution for melting icy surfaces. However, if this product is not used properly, it could damage nearby vegetation, seep in the local groundwater, or put kids and pets at risk. Make sure to read and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to ensure you are using the product correctly.

Types of Ice Melt

There are several types of ice melt, which can be differentiated based on the type of chemical reaction, as well as the form of the ice melt. Common options include pellets, flakes, liquids, exothermic, and endothermic ice melts.

• Pellets are one of the most popular ice melt forms because they are easy to apply over a broad area with a lawn fertilizer spreader or a simple scoop.
• Flakes are similar to pellets in that they are easy to apply, but flakes are smaller in size and don't generally increase traction on the icy surface.
• Liquids typically come in a ready-to-use spray bottle, allowing homeowners to simply spray the icy surface. This method of deicing the walkway doesn't increase traction on the ice, but it does spread easily over the affected area to rapidly melt the ice.
• Exothermic ice melt products are fast working and effective at a broader range of temperatures than endothermic deicers. This type of ice melt lowers the freezing point of water, causing the ice to melt at lower temperatures.
• Endothermic ice melt products are better for mild winter conditions because they rely on the heat from the sun to melt the surrounding ice. The ice melt pellets or flakes absorb the sun's heat, then release the heat to melt the nearby ice.

Safety Considerations

Before using an ice melt product to get rid of the ice around the home, it's important to have a basic understanding of the potential risks to the home, pets, and kids. Ice melt products are not safe for ingestion, so it's necessary to store the ice melt in a safe location away from kids and pets. When walking pets, try to keep them away from areas that have been treated with ice melt.

If pets do encounter ice melts, it can get embedded in their paws, causing mild pain and irritation. When pets attempt to lick away the ice melt, they can ingest this chemical compound, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Similar symptoms can be seen in children who have consumed small amounts of ice melt products. If you believe someone in the household has swallowed ice melt, contact the Poison Control Center immediately.

Additionally, ice melt products may get tracked into the home, where they can make indoor surfaces dangerously slippery and cause damage to the floors. It's recommended to have at least one thick mat at the door for residents and guests to wipe their feet before entering. Homeowners with pets may also want to have a simple rinse basin near the door so that they can rinse off pets' feet before entering the home.

How to Use Ice Melt

Using ice melt to safely clear the home's walkways is relatively easy, but it's important to prepare the area before applying the ice melt product. Additionally, the homeowner or DIYer should wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, a long shirt, and gloves to ensure their personal safety while they work.

1. Start by shoveling the area to remove any loose snow or ice from the surface. This will improve the effectiveness of the ice melt.
2. Check the directions provided by the manufacturer to find the correct amount of ice melt necessary per application.
3. Measure out the ice melt product, then sprinkle pellets or flakes evenly across the icy surface to melt the ice. If you are using a liquid ice melt product, spray the icy surface to apply an even coat of ice melt.
4. Wait for the ice to melt, then use a shovel to remove slush, water, and loose bits of ice. It will typically take several hours for the ice melt to work, and it may even need to sit overnight before the icy surface can be cleared.

For the best results, apply ice melt before it snows. After snowfall, shovel the driveway and walkways, then reapply a thin layer of ice melt to prevent ice from forming. Use a broad shovel or a broom to remove slush and standing water.

Environmental Impact

Ice melt products aren't just a hazard for people and pets. These chemical compounds can also burn the vegetation beneath or around where the product is applied. Excessive use of ice melt products can even contribute to long-lasting environmental damage when the runoff from the ice melt flows down through the soil and into the local groundwater.

Before purchasing ice melt, consider investing in products that are designed to reduce the environmental impact while still being effective at melting icy surfaces. Regardless of the product, be sure to read and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer to determine the proper way to apply the ice melt and the correct amount to use on your outdoor surfaces.

If you live in an area that's prone to cold winters, consider taking the extra step of removing your window screens before the chilly season begins. While window screens are great in the summer for preventing debris and insects from sneaking in your open windows, there's no need for them in winter when windows stay closed. The benefits from this small task can positively impact your mood, the lifespan of your windows, and even your pocketbook.

Protect Your Screens

Harsh winter weather can be extremely hard on windows, especially screens. According to Harvey Windows, high winds and heavy snow can cause ripping and warping to screens. The cold and wet conditions can also easily bow the screens, making them appear loose in the windowsill. Save your existing screens by being proactive with this preventive measure.

Prevent Mold and Mildew

Window screens act as a trap during winter, locking in moisture from the snow and ice that's landed inside the windowsill until it melts. This excess water can cause moisture damage to the windowsill, window, and screen. The moisture can also lead to mold and mildew in the windowsill come spring.

Let in More Light

If winter gives you the seasonal blues, removing your window screens is a great way to let in more natural light. While sunlight is limited in winter months, soaking in as much of it as possible could help boost your mood. Your space will also feel warmer and cozier because of this small change.

Heat Your House with the Sun

One of the biggest reasons to remove window screens is to increase your home's energy efficiency by letting in more solar heat. This increase in passive sunlight will result in your heating system having to work less, potentially giving you a lower heat bill in return. According to Allstar Construction of Fargo, the space near windows that do not have window screens is about 8 degrees warmer on a sunny winter day.

Easy Spring Cleaning

Before putting your window screens into storage or reinstalling them, clean them by vacuuming debris off both sides and washing them gently with a soapy rag. Rinse them with water and let them dry completely. You can dry them with a towel before air drying. To make reinstallation easier, use masking tape and a marker to signify which screen goes in which window.

Once the cold of winter passes and it's time to do a spring deep clean, you'll also find it much easier to clean your windows and windowsills now that the screens are already removed. Be sure to get into all of the grooves and rails of the windowsill to remove built-up dirt and grime before reinstalling the screens. You can do this task by first using a vacuum with a hose attachment, then wiping them down with soapy water.

Replace with Storm Windows

Once you remove your window screens, be sure to replace them with storm windows. This is especially true if you have single-pane windows. Storm windows will make your home more energy-efficient by retaining heat and protecting against moisture.

Bank of Canada maintains policy rate, continues quantitative tightening

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 5%, with the Bank Rate at 5¼% and the deposit rate at 5%. The Bank is continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.

Global economic growth continues to slow, with inflation easing gradually across most economies. While growth in the United States has been stronger than expected, it is anticipated to slow in 2024, with weakening consumer spending and business investment. In the euro area, the economy looks to be in a mild contraction. In China, low consumer confidence and policy uncertainty will likely restrain activity. Meanwhile, oil prices are about $10 per barrel lower than was assumed in the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Financial conditions have eased, largely reversing the tightening that occurred last autumn.

The Bank now forecasts global GDP growth of 2½% in 2024 and 2¾% in 2025, following 2023’s 3% pace. With softer growth this year, inflation rates in most advanced economies are expected to come down slowly, reaching central bank targets in 2025.

In Canada, the economy has stalled since the middle of 2023 and growth will likely remain close to zero through the first quarter of 2024. Consumers have pulled back their spending in response to higher prices and interest rates, and business investment has contracted. With weak growth, supply has caught up with demand and the economy now looks to be operating in modest excess supply. Labour market conditions have eased, with job vacancies returning to near pre-pandemic levels and new jobs being created at a slower rate than population growth. However, wages are still rising around 4% to 5%.

Economic growth is expected to strengthen gradually around the middle of 2024. In the second half of 2024, household spending will likely pick up and exports and business investment should get a boost from recovering foreign demand. Spending by governments contributes materially to growth through the year. Overall, the Bank forecasts GDP growth of 0.8% in 2024 and 2.4% in 2025, roughly unchanged from its October projection.

CPI inflation ended the year at 3.4%. Shelter costs remain the biggest contributor to above-target inflation. The Bank expects inflation to remain close to 3% during the first half of this year before gradually easing, returning to the 2% target in 2025. While the slowdown in demand is reducing price pressures in a broader number of CPI components and corporate pricing behaviour continues to normalize, core measures of inflation are not showing sustained declines.

Given the outlook, Governing Council decided to hold the policy rate at 5% and to continue to normalize the Bank’s balance sheet. The Council is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation, particularly the persistence in underlying inflation. Governing Council wants to see further and sustained easing in core inflation and continues to focus on the balance between demand and supply in the economy, inflation expectations, wage growth, and corporate pricing behaviour. The Bank remains resolute in its commitment to restoring price stability for Canadians.

Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is March 6, 2024. The Bank will publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the MPR on April 10, 2024.

What to look for in a Multigenerational Home 

By Kristine Gill Published on January 1, 2024

More and more, Americans are finding themselves living in multigenerational households. Some do it for financial reasons, while others are looking to care for aging relatives more easily. As more and more people seek to bring multiple generations of the family together under one roof, you might find yourself on the market for a home that can accommodate this type of living arrangement. 

“The demand for multigenerational homes has exploded over the past few years, especially since the time of COVID when families really started to rethink the makeup of their home,” says Will Palmer, broker and owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Historic. 

As you hunt, there are some key features you’ll want in a multigenerational home that you might not otherwise prioritize in a single-family home. We spoke with experts for their insights on how to find the perfect home for you and your expanded, multigenerational family.

Why a multigenerational home?

The Pew Research Center defines multigenerational households as homes with two or more generations of adults living together. If a parent and child are living together, that child must be 25 years or older for the arrangement to qualify as multigenerational. In some instances, there are skipped generations living together, which would include grandparents living with grandchildren. 

When these households were polled, financial reasons top the list for multigenerational living arrangements, and the pandemic spurred that decision for about 13% of adults polled. 

“Affordability is top of mind for all buyers, and purchasing a home with the intention of multigenerational living is a cost-effective tactic,” says Alex Toth, head of business development at Opendoor. “Multiple incomes allow buyers to opt for a larger home, and having multiple paychecks contributing to bills helps alleviate some of the financial stress.”

Following the pandemic, many families were financially strapped while others felt lonely and isolated in their homes. For many who became ill, it put caregiving top of mind, according to 2023 studies done by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“The post-pandemic years have also continued to reinforce the importance of community and time with loved ones, and that’s translating into households,” Toth say, citing the NAR studies. “Fifteen percent of first time buyers and 23% of repeat buyers cited caretaking of an aging parent as a reason to buy a multigenerational home. Fifteen percent of first time buyers and 11% of repeat buyers also said spending time with aging relatives was a top motivator.”

And the need for caregiving isn't just for elderly relatives.

“In some cases balancing career and proper caregiving can be a financial burden as well as being difficult logistically,” says Agent David Harris of Coldwell Banker Warburg. “Multigenerational living allows a grandparent or great-grandparent to provide childcare without the financial burden that comes with it.”

Agent Alana Lindsay of Coldwell Banker Warburg points out that there are also cultural considerations at play.

“It comes down to finances, especially here in the United States, where multigenerational family living has not been the norm for a very long time,” she says. “It also comes with the changing demographics of the United States. A lot more people are immigrating here from other countries where multigenerational families are the cultural norm.”

What to Look for in a Multigenerational Home

Your personal preferences for a multigenerational home will vary just as your desires for a typical single-family home might, but there are a few things that experts suggest adding to the list. 

“Last year we saw historic demand for multigenerational homes, which reached purchase rates of nearly all-time highs at 14%,” Toth says, referring to the NAR study. “As more families consider moving into multigenerational homes, it’s important they lay out the priorities and needs of each family member to ensure everyone is guaranteed a home they’re comfortable in. For example, mom might need a home office, the kids might need a playroom, and grandma might need a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.”

Palmer says the first item on the list should be enough square footage to include more than one living area, “so that everyone has their own space to unwind and relax.”

Of course, balancing space and cost is a tricky balance, especially when you remember that many families move in together to save money.

“The biggest challenge is finding a home with enough space while also being affordable,” Palmer adds. 

Toth advises buyers to consider what he calls multi-use spaces as well. 

“Multi-use spaces could be a spare bedroom or extra living room,” he says. 

Having adaptable spaces will make it easier to adjust along with life changes, such as growing families or if someone gets a new work-from-home job. Adaptable spaces can also ensure increased privacy throughout the home.

And don't forget bathrooms.

“There should be a proportionate number of bathrooms for the number of people. It is very different to share, let's say a two-bedroom, one-bathroom property with just your sister versus sharing that same one with three other adult family members,” Lindsay says.

From there, you’ll want to consider special features to accommodate aging parents and relatives. 

Palmer suggests single-story homes or homes with wider doorways, which can accommodate wheelchairs should someone need one currently or down the line if they decide to age in place.

Like any home, you’ll also want to consider location. Palmer points out that aging relatives might prefer good proximity to hospitals and other health-related services, for example. 

And keep in mind that a multigenerational home is often considered a forever home. 

“They need to think about tomorrow and not just what today’s needs look like,” Palmer says. “What will the family and situation look like in five years? Multigenerational homes don’t tend to move as often as a more traditional family does.”

Of course, you don’t just have to find a perfect home on the market to meet all of your needs. New builds specifically designed for multigenerational use could already have the features in place that you’re looking for. 

“Some builders even design homes with built-in suites featuring an additional kitchen and living room area, creating an independent space while remaining close enough for family care,” Toth says. “Lots of new build homes are also part of master planned communities, with amenities such as pools, gyms, and community centers, which appeal to many members of a multigenerational home.” 

Following the Rules

Say you’ve found a home you absolutely adore. What else should you know before moving every family member in? 

First, you’ll want to make sure that the number of people living in the home is allowed according to local code. Some cities have laws dictating the ratio between occupants and bedrooms, for example. From there, you’ll want to make sure that any upgrades you do to the home to accommodate more people are also up to code. 

Palmer had a client who added a new bedroom and bathroom onto the home, against code and with major consequences. 

“At the time, the county didn’t catch that the septic tank wasn’t technically big enough for that number of bedrooms and made them remove the bathrooms and closets,” he said. 

Toth also cautions against additions such as accessory dwelling units until you’ve done your research. 

“Those who want to purchase a home with or add an ADU to their home will need to pay close attention to local regulation,” he says.

You can bypass some of these concerns when you build new or buy a new construction home.

“Purchasing from a homebuilder allows buyers to let them know in advance the goals and needs of their household, and discuss their zoning questions directly,” Toth says. 

Aside from local rules, you’ll also want to have some boundaries in place with your family to avoid problems with finances, personal routines, and privacy.

“Before embarking on a multigenerational home arrangement, it is essential for the family members to come together with your local agent, financial planner, and attorney and clearly discuss openly the different opinions regarding housing design and needs, lifestyles, privacy needs, and other personal routines that may cause family members to be upset or disagree upon,” says Agent Karen Kostiw of Coldwell Banker Warburg.

Kostiw adds that it’s wise to get these agreements in writing, even if that seems extreme.

“Discuss challenges and set specific boundaries as a means to avoid ruining family relationships,” she says. “It’s important to work with your team to ask the important questions and develop a personalized plan for the family.”

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