We inspect homes all year long here at SHI. We’ve seen how far a little bit of regular maintenance can go, which is why we want you to know how to prepare your home for Winter. Follow this checklist to make sure that your home is ready to take on the cold weather this year.
Make Sure Your Heating and Cooling Systems Are In Working Order
The average lifespan of a heating and cooling system is between 15 and 20 years. Changing your filters will be the bare minimum you can do to prepare for the coming cold. A qualified HVAC technician should check out the system. Even better, think about signing up for a yearly maintenance plan. Finding a problem with your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in the relatively mild fall is preferable to discovering it on the first cold day of winter.
Sealing, caulking, and painting the external wood
Weatherproofing your home's exterior wood trim is essential. In contrast to the pressure-treated or rot-resistant wood used for your deck, the pine board that makes up the trim around your doors and windows can swiftly decay if it isn't treated. We commonly see the wood surrounding bay windows and external doors in rotten condition.
It's a significant hassle and expense to replace this trim, and sometimes not even experts succeed in making the fix look good. Preventing rot from setting in from the start is the best course of action; thus, regular painting and caulking are essential. Most people can complete this work independently. You should contact a skilled trim carpenter to replace any rotten wood. Check the caulk and paint on your home for cracks and chips. If so, remove the old paint or caulk and replace it with new.
See That The Drains Are Clear
Verify that settling soil has not pooled around your home's foundation. The solution to a low area is to fill it in with soil. The next step is to inspect the downspouts of your rain gutters. Achieve proper water diversion to prevent flooding inside your home. If your downspouts need more length, you can get some extenders. Frozen and thawed soil surrounding a building's foundation is a common wintertime problem.
Take Care Of The Gutters
You should clear up your gutters as soon as the leaves have fallen to the ground. The overflowing gutters accelerate the exterior decay of your home since the water pours down the walls. All sorts of issues can arise as a result, including the deterioration of your structure, water seepage into your basement, and sinking under your concrete patios and walkways.
Verify The Functionality Of Your Fire And CO Alarms
Most home fires occur in the winter. Carbon monoxide is a much more severe threat now that we are much more likely to keep our homes sealed tightly and light our fireplaces. Inspect each smoke alarm to ensure it is in good working order and that fresh batteries have been installed. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in every home in the United States. The home's most common sources of carbon monoxide can be eliminated with the help of an HVAC inspection.
Get Your Lawn Ready for The Cold Season and Set It Up for Success In The Spring
Without first preparing it for autumn, there is no way to guarantee a lush, green lawn in the spring. Extreme temperatures kill off the growth of new grass. Only sow fresh grass in September and October, then again in April and May if you want it to mature. When to overseed is a topic of hot debate. The autumn season is my favorite. When the weather cools down, your lawn will have a terrific opportunity to flourish. The property should be aerated and overseeded in late September. Apply fertilizer mixed with winterizer in late October or early November.
And there you have it. A checklist of things that should be properly addressed before the really cold weather begins to roll in. Give attention to these things and you will thank yourself later!
By Strouse Home Inspections 10-11-2022
