Hard to believe, but winter will be here again before you know it. Now, while the weather is still favorable, is the time to get those all important winter home maintenance projects done. But where do you start?
Here’s a recommended to-do list from the diy Network. It is by no-means complete, but provides you with a good direction of high priority projects.
1. Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed roof maintenance professional to examine it, for signs of wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or cracked, replace them. You should also thoroughly inspect skylights, pipes and chimneys to make sure there are no leaks or gaps where ice and snow could collect, eventually allowing melting water to drip into the house.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts. If they are clogged with leaves and you live in a northern climate, you could end up with ice dams in the winter. These can cause roof damage and potentially require ceiling repair, so you want to avoid them at all costs.
3. Turn off all outside water sources. Good property maintenance also requires you to drain all exterior water pipes before the first hard freeze in order to prevent burst pipes.
4. Have your fireplace and chimney inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and potential carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s also a good idea to have the furnace inspected and the filters cleaned or changed.
5. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors each fall to make sure they are still in good working order, and replace the batteries. A smoke alarm can save lives in the event of a house fire. A carbon monoxide detector can also save lives if a home has malfunctioning oil or gas-burning appliances, like a furnace or water heater. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless byproduct of burning oil or natural gas.
In addition to taking these measures, The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends you review your fire escape plan with your family at least twice a year. More often if you have little ones.
