Fall Home Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter

Fall 2017 arrived mere weeks ago but before we know it, winter will be here. In New England, that means freezing cold temperatures, varying amounts of snow and dangerous ice storms.

With the holidays coming up, some of us can get behind on our home maintenance tasks. However, it is important to prepare your home for winter weather by the time it arrives.

We have 8 items for your fall checklist.

Look for Roof Damage

Perhaps the most important check of all is your roof. It’s essential to look for warning signs that the roof could fail soon, including buckling, cracked or missing shingles. These imperfections are not likely to withstand the heavy snow and ice to come. Call us right away if you notice any of these issues – time is running out for roof repair this season!

Check the Gutters

Climb a ladder and inspect your gutters. Are the downspouts blocked with leaves? Clean any debris from the gutters and consider installing a guard to catch future leaves and prevent animals from nesting in your roof. Pooled water and debris can cause damage to your house.

Schedule a Furnace Inspection

When temperatures drop into the 30s at night, the last thing a homeowner wants to discover is a malfunctioning heat source. Have your system inspected by a professional to identify and fix any issues now. Also, clean or replace dirty filters for maximum efficiency.

Hire a Chimney Sweep

One of the most comforting parts of winter is snuggling up by a cozy fire. However, without a professional chimney sweep before the start of the season, your pleasant fireplace experience could turn into a house fire. Soot build-up and animal nests should be removed from the chimney before its first use.

Caulk Any Gaps

Take a close look at all windows, doors and other openings to your home. If you notice any gaps, seal them up with caulk (a waterproof filler) or install weather-stripping. When these cracks are left as is, cold air can enter your home and lessen heating efficiency.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

Make sure all valves to exterior faucets are turned off. Walk around the house, drain any remaining water from these spouts and keep the handle turned on throughout winter. For further protection, pipe insulation helps prevent bursts.

Cut Back Shrubs

Do you have plants surrounding your property? Trees and shrubbery touching your house should be trimmed back at least three feet. This distance will help prevent moisture from leaking on your roof or siding and causing damage that cannot be fixed until the spring.

Test the Detectors

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Day sees four times as many house fires as the average day in the U.S. Without properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed, the damage of a fire could be greatly increased. Be sure to check the batteries in both alarms and continue to check once a month. On average, new batteries are needed twice a year.

Steve Czerwinski Inc. has provided quality home improvement services in East Hartford for decades. If you discover any issues during your fall home inspection, let our team help you resolve them before winter arrives. To learn more, contact us today.