Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Posted by creed on October 11, 2010 under Newsletter | Read the First Comment

With the recent drop in temperatures (besides this past week-end, of course), it’s a good time to start thinking about winterizing your home for the cold months ahead. Home winterization is often overlooked, but is an important part of maintaining your property. You will also be more comfortable this winter by doing a little prep work now in the fall.

Here are some great tips:

· Check exterior, doors and windows. If you walk by and feel a breeze, you definitely have a problem! Use weather-stripping around doors and caulk around windows. Replace any cracked or broken glass. Caulk any cracks in exterior trim and seal any exposed entry points around pipes.

· Inspect roof, gutters and downspouts. Replace missing shingles and check for roof leaks. Check attic insulation thickness to prevent heat from escaping to the roof. Clear gutters of leaves and flush downspouts to eliminate debris.

· Check furnace and fireplaces. Clean ducts and change furnace filters. Check air duct joints to be sure they are sealed. Install a programmable thermostat. Clean chimney and install screen on top to keep out small animals. Inspect fireplace damper for proper opening and closing.

· Prevent damage outdoors. Drain outdoor garden hoses and store in garage or shed for the winter. Seal driveways, wood decks and brick patios.

· Paint the exterior and trim to protect your home. The surface temperature in fall makes it a great time to paint. Properly scrape the area to relieve it of paint flakes, dirt and grease to provide a smooth, clean surface for the new coat of paint to bond effectively. A good paint job will help protect your home’s exterior from the elements. Don’t forget to caulk any gaps while you are painting.

While some of these items can easily be done yourself, consider hiring a professional before venturing up a ladder. We can check these and other winterization items for you and make sure you stay warm and cozy this winter.