4 Essential Ways to Prep Your Home for Winter

 

The chilly days are becoming more frequent as we’ve entered November. Fall is a really excellent time of year to take stock of how your home is doing. All homes need TLC to keep them healthy and happy. This means staying on top of regular maintenance as well as seasonal projects. By staying on top of these winter prepping tasks, you’ll keep your home happier and less likely to break down in the really cold months.

 

1. Check the furnace and HVAC systems

A good place to start is with your heating system. Check on this now to prevent real stress when it’s freezing outdoors. Change your filters for sure. And then also look into hiring a professional to come inspect your heating system for any malfunctions. This way you know you’re in good shape heading into the frigid months.

 

2. Paint and caulk exterior wood and trim

Typically the wood around doors and windows isn’t rot resistant and is only a 1-inch thick piece of wood. Rot sets in easily if you don’t stay on top of weatherizing this wood. And rot is an expensive thing to fix. In order to prevent rot, first inspect the exterior wood around your home for paint chipping or caulk cracking. If you see spots like this, set aside time one weekend to re-caulk and repaint those areas.

And while a deck doesn’t need to be restained and resealed every year, it’s a good idea to periodically check this as well. Pour some water on the deck. If it beads up, it’s still protected. If it absorbs right in, time to seal and stain it again before the snow and winter.

 

3. Tend to water drainage

First check for drainage close to your foundation. If soil is saturated right around the foundation of the home, this can cause major problems down the line. Install downspout extenders if necessary to direct water away from the home’s base. Next, check on the state of your gutters. Remove any leaves or other debris. Then flush out the gutters with a bucket of water or a garden hose. You want all your gutters to be free and clear before the wetness of winter. If these are blocked, water can’t drain so it runs down the side of your home, causing it to deteriorate quicker.

 

4. Clean out chimneys and fireplaces

Last but not least, clean out the fireplace and chimney before you start gearing up for those cozy evenings in front of a fire. Hire a good chimney sweep company to come in and inspect and clean your fireplace. They will be able to let you know about any glaring maintenance issues and ensure it’s safe for use. Stock up on firewood as well so you’re ready for those chilly nights.

 

Take time in the next few weeks to complete these winterizing tasks to help your home deal with the cold winter months. If you’re looking to buy or sell this winter, contact me today to learn how I can help!