As we say goodbye to warmer temperatures, there are a few easy steps you can take to ensure your home is in the best shape possible for the upcoming winter season.
Winter home maintenance varies across geographies, but taking steps to prepare your home for winter can have great long-term benefits. As cooler temperatures and winter weather arrive, using a home maintenance checklist can help you identify any areas of concern that you may be able to fix independently or with the help of a professional.
“November home maintenance focuses on getting ready for the coldest parts of the year,” said Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service. “Many major repairs can be avoided with proper maintenance steps along the way. While each home is unique, there are some common steps that should be taken by nearly every homeowner to prepare for the season change.”
Here is a maintenance checklist to get you (and your home) ready for winter.
Clean the Gutters
As leaves fall throughout autumn, it is common for gutters to become cluttered with old leaves and other debris. Clearing this out is important to ensure any rainfall can flow properly, preventing improper runoff. Toward the end of fall is a great time to do it, as many of the trees have dropped the majority of their leaves and cones for the year.
Evaluate the HVAC System
This step includes replacing filters and looking over the heating system. It is also recommended that you have a home inspector or an HVAC company inspect your heating system before each winter. Completing this check ahead of time ensures you are not left without heat when it starts to get very cold.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should check your detectors regularly; many professionals recommend about once a month. However, if you can’t remember when you last checked, this is a quick, easy step to add to your winter preparation list.
Check for and Seal Gaps
During the colder months, gaps in doors and windows can let cold air in. Sealing these off can increase both comfortability and energy efficiency in the home. Do-it-yourself solutions are generally available at the standard hardware store or online, but if you have enough advanced notice, it is often worth reaching out to a professional to try to secure a long-lasting solution.
Trim Tree Limbs
Look for any limbs that may be in a precarious position. Limbs can pose a risk to break in the winter due to the potential for strong winds and the weight of ice and snow. It is important to identify any risky limbs and trim them ahead of time to minimize damage.
Clean and Lubricate Garage Doors
The garage can be an easy-to-miss place, but it is important that it gets the necessary attention, too, especially in areas that are prone to ice. When roads and driveways are salted, that same salt can be tracked back into the garage and can be corrosive to the garage floor and other fixtures, like the metal tracks. Getting the garage in optimal shape before the winter can minimize the concerns of winter weather.
Winterize Outdoor Plumbing
Plumbing is an especially important aspect of the home to protect in the colder months. You can shut off outdoor water faucets, drain hoses of any standing water and place
protective bibs on any outdoor spigots to prevent freezing and potential damage to the plumbing.
Clean Chimney and Fireplace
If a fireplace is going to be used for heat in the colder months, it’s crucial that it is in good shape. A professional can clean the chimney and fireplace and ensure it is ready for use. During this process, they can also identify and advise you on any potential damage or hazards that need to be repaired for the fireplace to be used safely.
Store Outdoor Furniture
Clean any outdoor furniture and store it away. This will protect it from harsh winter weather and ultimately extend the life of the furniture.
Have the Roof Checked
Home inspectors have safe, efficient ways to examine a roof. If you are uncertain of the status of your roof, have it evaluated by a professional. This allows you to identify any missing shingles or other weak spots and make repairs before severe winter weather arrives.
Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of a home and its components, and working to complete seasonally appropriate repairs in preparation for winter can prevent costly emergency repairs, increase energy efficiency and create a safer, more comfortable home for you and your family to enjoy all season long.
