The rain in the spring and fall can wreak havoc on your property, not to mention the heat and sun during the summer. No one wants to think about home maintenance during the winter. However, this is one of the most critical times to worry about such things.
Even though we are all busy, autumn is prime time for maintenance items. Take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the frost of winter sets in. Here are a few items to keep your home running in peak condition all winter.
Exterior First
Start with the exterior. Sometimes you don’t see things unless you are actually looking for them.
Check the foundation for cracks, and seal any areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes and wiring enter the house, and around windows. Use a caulk that suits the materials and environment to which the caulk is exposed.
Check your Roof
Your roof is one of the first defenses of your home. Grab a ladder and check out the condition of your roof. Okay, maybe not yourself, but definitely have a licensed and insured roofing professional inspect your roof. Look for missing and loose shingles. If the roof is damaged or defective, water damage is not too far behind, followed by insulation, wood, and drywall damage if not caught soon enough. It’s better to find any issues in the fall, rather than discover a leak during a winter snowstorm.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts.
While you have the ladder out, clean out your gutters and downspouts. Flush them thoroughly, inspect joints, and tighten loose brackets if needed. Clogged gutters can cause water to puddle, and cold winter temps freeze that water, causing damage to the gutters.
Check the Interior
Once finished inspecting things outside, move inside.
Winter gets a little chilly around here. Have your furnace and ducts inspected and take care of any repairs immediately.
Inspect seals of windows and doors inside the house too. Replace any caulk or sealant that is worn or old and cracked.
Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keep extra batteries, just in case.
If you have ceiling fans, you can change the fan’s direction to create an upward draft to redistribute warm air.
And clean those humidifiers. You know they will make an appearance during our dry cold winter, and you don’t want to be breathing mold spewing from an unkempt humidifier.
These are just a few tips to help keep your home in tip-top shape in the winter.
Think of this autumn prep as akin to spring cleaning.
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