Fall is upon us, and that means cold weather will also be upon us soon enough. This is the perfect time to begin maintenance in the systems of your home! Here are 10 tips to help keep your home in tip top shape this fall and winter season.
Check Windows
If you feel a chill next to your windows, or even see frost on your windows during the cold weather, then you may need to upgrade the windows in your home. Buy windows with multiple panes, spaces, or filler gases, as they will solve these problems. A professional can easily swap these windows with more efficient models that keep the heat in, and keep the cold out.
Check Paint on Exterior
Checking the paint on your exterior is important, as peeling paint may mean that it isn’t properly working to protect your siding and trim. Slapping on a fresh coat of sealer or paint is wise because it will ensure that your exterior will be protected against snow or cold weather.
Check Your Roof
If you have even a small roof leak, the winter will make this situation worse. If you find that you have leaks in your roof than it should most definitely be fixed before the first snowfall of the year. It is best to hire a professional who has experience and can easily determine leaks, and they can also fix these problems quickly
Power Wash Your Exterior
Power washing the exterior of your home will prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and it will also make your home look superb. If you aren’t comfortable deciding whether or not you should power wash the exterior, hire a professional that can do it for you.
Add Insulation & Seal Gaps
Nothing is more uncomfortable in the cold weather than feeling a draft. You can always consider doing a home energy audit which will review your homes caulking and weather stripping. A depth of 10 to 14 inches is the general consensus, and you can use many different types of insulation to achieve that depth.
Turn Up Your Furnace
During the cold weather, the furnace is one of the most important components of a home. Without it, life would be very uncomfortable. Maintenance from a certified professional will keep your furnace running efficiently and effectively, and it will also prevent potential damages to your home due to frozen or burst pipes.
Clean Your Gutters
The gutters on your home prevent thousands of gallons of water from entering your home. To keep the water from entering your home, having clean gutters is the best defense. You should protect your gutters with a mesh guard to keep leaves and other debris from causing any blockages. You can hire a professional to do this, or you could do it yourself.
Inspect Your Driveway
If you have any small cracks or gaps in your walkway or driveway, it can quickly lead to even larger cracks in the winter. Cracked cement can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians as well. You can either fix these cracks on your own, or you can hire a professional to do so.
Winterize Faucets and Pipes
If you want to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting, winterizing them is the first step. If you want professional help, you can contact a plumber who can quickly do this for you. If you plan on winterizing the more complex systems, such as sprinklers or water features, your best bet is to hire professional help.
Fireplace Repair
Before winter hits, it is vital to inspect your fireplace even if it is rarely used. A chimney sweep will check wooden fireplaces for buildup, and chimney blockages. A professional in the field will also check for improperly functioning dampers, damaged or missing flue caps, and damaged brickwork or masonry.