Winter is nearly here and it's time to prepare your home for the season. Here are some good reminders:
Examine the exterior. Walk around the house to check for any cracks in the siding or peeling paint.
Check the roof. Are they roof tiles that are broken, pulled up? Debris on the roof?
After it rains, walk around the house to spot any signs that water isn’t draining away from the house properly or for signs of damaged gutters.
Clean out the gutters. Home maintenance professionals call this chore one of the most important. Gutters direct water away from your siding and roof. A clogged gutter can lead to roof leaks or ice dams in colder weather. Make sure the gutters are cleaned of any leaves and other debris.
Check the windows and doors. Add weather stripping or caulk where cold air is seeping in from around windows or doors. This could make a big difference in utility bills.
Evaluate the heater. Contact a plumber or furnace repair company to prepare the boiler or furnace before the weather turns cold. They’ll clean the equipment and ensure it is working properly.
Check the chimney. A dirty chimney can affect the air quality in a home and even pose a potential fire hazard. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having a chimney inspected annually, cleaning it as needed.Tend to the pipes.
Source: “Getting the House Ready for Winter,” The New York Times (Nov. 3, 2017)