Don’t ignore the outside of your home when winter is coming. There are
several chores that need to be done to make sure your house is ready for the
cold season.
Gutters: Once the
leaves from the trees have dropped from the trees in the yard, be sure to
clear the gutters on the house so that water doesn’t become trapped and
freeze inside, which can cause them to break or fall off.
Chimney and Roof: Take
a close look at the roof before winter. Check for missing shingles or
tiles and replace if necessary. Look for nails pulling away from shingles
and replace as needed. Repair any damaged flashing and caulk all holes.
Making these repairs now before the winter storms arrive will prevent
expensive roof leaks and repairs in the dead of winter.
Inspect the chimney and make sure that there is no build up of leaves or
other organic debris that could cause a chimney fire. Install a screen over the
top to keep things from collecting inside.
Steps, Railings and
Walkways: Most outdoor accidents in the wintertime are a result of
falling. Before the snow flies, inspect and repair all exterior steps and
handrails. Reinforce loose handrails and install non-slip stripping or
texture on steps to prevent falls. Check walkways for unevenness that
could cause someone to trip and make repairs as needed. Seal driveway and
walkway cracks as well, so that water doesn’t collect underneath and then
freeze and further damage the area.
Drainage: Water that
sits too long can damage your foundation and it can eventually find a way
inside your house. Keep water from collecting and standing against the
foundation by checking for proper drainage during the fall. If you notice
water pooling in an area near the foundation, increase the soil level in
that area to force the water to flow away from your home, or install
gutter downspout extensions to ferry water further away.
Deck: Clean your
wooden deck with a cleaner designed for decking material and then give it
a good coat of sealant to protect it from harsh winter conditions. Remove
pots and planters for the winter because they can leave stains where they
sit all winter.
Air Conditioner: Winterize
your AC by covering it, which prevents heat loss from inside the house. If
your model is a through the window or wall model, it probably needs to be
drained of water, so that it doesn’t freeze inside the motor. Also, drain
water from any tubing or pipes so that it won’t freeze and burst. Finally,
turn off water flow to the AC.