There is no doubt about it, it’s winter our there! The sidewalks are icey and there is snow on the ground, but what does this cold weather do to your house? Below are some great tips to make sure you home is prepared for winter. Tips are courtesy of Jefferson Livingston with Pillar to Post Home Inspection Services.
Roof Structure
-Check condition of flashing & repair any loose or damaged shingles.
-Clean gutters. (Even small amounts of debris can clog downspouts)
-Keep trees & branches trimmed 6 feet from roof & off power lines.
Exterior Items
-Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from siding.
-Keep earth 6 inches below/away from siding & all other wood while maintaining a gentle slope away from the home.
-Remove all debris away from home such as leafs to help keep pests away.
-Store firewood at least ten feet from home to help avoid pest infestation.
-To help protect your home from water keep all gaps and joints in siding, even around doors & windows, caulked and keep well painted and sealed.
-Add storm windows in older homes for better heat efficiency.
Crawl Space
-Insulate plumbing lines to help protect them from freezing.
-Keep all foundation vents unblocked year round, except during freezing weather, to provide adequate ventilation especially in the winter months when it is most damp. (Measure & purchase correct size vent plugs before freezing weather arrives)
Fireplace
-Have chimneys & flues professionally cleaned before use. (Soot build-up can lead to flue fires which often cause house fires)
Furnace
-Gas/propane furnaces should be serviced on an annual basis.
-Replace/clean filters.
-Have heat registers professionally cleaned (or vacuum out as far as possible) to cut down on dust or other impurities in the air.
Interior
-Check weather stripping around doors & windows.
-Replace smoke alarm batteries.
-Add carbon monoxide monitors if your home uses gas or propane for any appliances or has an attached garage. (They are also needed if you burn wood)
-Add UV lights where desired to help cope with the not-so-bright NW winter.
-If you have a vacant home be sure the home is sufficiently heated to help prevent freezing pipes.
Plumbing
-If you do not have “frost free” hose faucets turn water to facets off or insulate them at interior & exterior.
-Remove all hoses. Even if you have “frost free” faucets freezing water from hose can damage lines.
By Fawn of the Johnson Real Estate Team Blog