Before the weather gets too cold it’s important to prepare for the winter months. Below are some home and yard maintenance steps that every homeowner should follow.
Seal It: It’s important to look for any leaks around your door and window frames and seal them up with caulk. These leaks can cause heat to escape and water to enter that could lead to possible mold problems and even structural damage.
Repairs: Make sure you check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Poor weather conditions during the winter months can cause damage to a vulnerable roof which could lead to a great chance of damage inside the home. If you can see visible damage, hire a professional to inspect and repair the roof.
Clear it out: Checking gutters is a simple yet important thing to check. You want to clear them of any leaves, sticks and other debris. Make sure you check the seams between sections of the gutter and repair what is needed.
Inspect: With freezing weather approaching, here are a few things you should inspect:
Hose: Make sure you drain garden hoses and store them indoors to protect them from any damage. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water. Faucets and pipes can freeze and burst, causing leaks and potentially serious water damage.
Furnace: Have your furnace inspected to ensure it’s safe and in good working order. Most companies will provide basic inspections at no charge, however, their waiting list can often be long come fall and winter.
Fireplace: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the firebox and chimney professionally cleaned before lighting fire. Creosote can build up to dangerous levels and cause a serious chimney fire if not removed.
Landscape and Yard Work: Now is the best time to fertilize and reseed your lawn. It may appear that your grass has stopped growing, however, the roots are actually growing deeper to prepare for the winter. In addition to fertilizing your lawn, make sure you prune your tress and shrubs and trim any limbs that are close to power line or the roof of your house. Heavy snow and ice can cause damage in the winter.
