Tips To Winterize A Home
The winter months can be hard on a home. The extreme weather puts extra wear on the exterior walls and roof. In addition, extreme cold can cause freezing pipes. Even the lawn and garden can suffer if not properly prepared for the season. Take a day to prepare during mid-autumn and the home will survive and exit the winter in great shape.
Windows and doors are essential to keeping the home comfortable in the upcoming months. Be sure weatherstripping is in place and does not leak to prevent loss of heat. Replace screen doors and window screens with storm doors and windows. Make other repairs as necessary.
Take some time to trim branches back from the home and electrical wires to prevent damage and power problems. The lawn should be reseeded as needed and a winterizing fertilizer applied. Be sure to rake any leaves that remain on the lawn.
Gutters need be in good shape and snow or water should drain away from the foundation. The dirt should slope away from the home. Planters should be cleaned and those that are fragile are best stored inside.
Hoses should be removed from bibs and stored inside for the winter to prevent cracks. Drain or wrap outdoor faucets to prevent freeze damage. The automatic irrigation system should be turned off and winterized.
Seasonal tools should be oiled lightly and stored inside. Clean the lawn mower and drain its fuel tank before winter storage. If a snow blower will be used to remove accumulations of snow, be sure it is operating correctly and the oil and spark plug have been replaced.
Now is the time to replace damaged, missing or warped shingles to prevent a leak. The flashing at the chimney, skylights, walls and around vent pipes should be in good shape. Roofing cement in a caulking gun can be used to make necessary repairs.
If firewood will be used, be sure it is stacked in a dry place convenient to the home. Wood should not be stacked against the house as it can encourage termites. Be sure the most seasoned wood is stacked in front for easy access.
Do not forget to schedule annual HVAC maintenance. The service ensures the unit is working at top efficiency for the difficult winter heating season. In addition, if problems are discovered, it is possible to make heater repair now and not during the winter when the system is needed to keep the home warm.
Windows and doors are essential to keeping the home comfortable in the upcoming months. Be sure weatherstripping is in place and does not leak to prevent loss of heat. Replace screen doors and window screens with storm doors and windows. Make other repairs as necessary.
Take some time to trim branches back from the home and electrical wires to prevent damage and power problems. The lawn should be reseeded as needed and a winterizing fertilizer applied. Be sure to rake any leaves that remain on the lawn.
Gutters need be in good shape and snow or water should drain away from the foundation. The dirt should slope away from the home. Planters should be cleaned and those that are fragile are best stored inside.
Hoses should be removed from bibs and stored inside for the winter to prevent cracks. Drain or wrap outdoor faucets to prevent freeze damage. The automatic irrigation system should be turned off and winterized.
Seasonal tools should be oiled lightly and stored inside. Clean the lawn mower and drain its fuel tank before winter storage. If a snow blower will be used to remove accumulations of snow, be sure it is operating correctly and the oil and spark plug have been replaced.
Now is the time to replace damaged, missing or warped shingles to prevent a leak. The flashing at the chimney, skylights, walls and around vent pipes should be in good shape. Roofing cement in a caulking gun can be used to make necessary repairs.
If firewood will be used, be sure it is stacked in a dry place convenient to the home. Wood should not be stacked against the house as it can encourage termites. Be sure the most seasoned wood is stacked in front for easy access.
Do not forget to schedule annual HVAC maintenance. The service ensures the unit is working at top efficiency for the difficult winter heating season. In addition, if problems are discovered, it is possible to make heater repair now and not during the winter when the system is needed to keep the home warm.
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