Fall & Winter Maintenance

As the seasons change, your home is transformed. Factors like age, weather conditions, temperatures and regular use all take its toll. This is especially true for the fall and winter months. There are several steps you can take to help keep your home protected during the fall and winter months, while also lowering your utility bills. Start preparing for the fall and winter seasons towards the end of summer so you are not caught off guard when the weather changes; this will help to reduce potential expenses in the future.

Strategies

Examine your gutters, roof and downspouts for debris such as leaves, pine needles and dirt. Clean the gutters and make sure the downspouts are not damaged or loose. You will also want to check the grounds of your property before it is covered with snow. Look for loose pavers and cracks on walkways - these should be fixed before the cold comes as further damage can be caused. A broken pipe in the middle of winter is very expensive to replace, as well as time consuming, so make sure to fix any leaky faucets. You will also want to test your fireplace. Many people use their fireplace during the winter months, but often they are not cleaned properly. Make sure to discard old ashes while ensuring the damper is open. For a thorough clean, you can hire a professional chimney sweep. Check the doors and windows for drafts, and reseal if necessary. Cold air can seep inside, costing you a fortune in heating bills. Lastly, have spring tools serviced and buy new ones if required. Oftentimes tools are discounted towards the end of the season, which will bring you savings for the following spring.

Key Information

Regular maintenance is essential when preparing a home for the fall and winter seasons. If you inspect your home regularly and follow proper maintenance techniques, you will protect your investment. If it is in your budget, hire a qualified trades person to help. For fall maintenance, make sure the land around your home slopes away from the foundation to prohibit water from draining into the basement. This will pay off big time towards the end of winter when the snow melts. Other things you can do include draining and storing outdoor hoses, removing chimney obstructions like nests, and storing outdoor furniture to prevent cracking and fading. For winter maintenance, keep an eye on the moisture levels in your home, such as condensation on the windows, which can cause serious damage over time to both the home and the health of the home owners. Check the attic for frost accumulation and remove icicles or ice dams from the roof. Also, constantly check your doors and windows for cold air leaks.

Essential Tools

Caulking around doors and windows is essential for fall and winter maintenance. Cold air leaks can wind up costing you a fortune in heating bills. An important thing to look at is the gaps between the frames. If the gap is larger than the width of a nickel, you have to reapply exterior caulk, such as GE’s Silicone II Window and Door. You can prevent flooding and water damage by diverting water from the foundation with downspout extensions. The Amerimax Home Products Brown Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension is the perfect tool for the job. Lastly, do not wait for the first winter snowfall to realize you have no snow removal device. If you do not have a snow blower and do not want to spend the money required for one, try the Sno Wovel, a wheeled shovel that takes on much of the heavy-lifting.