Keeping the cold out and the warm in is very important.
To ensure your home is properly equipped this winter, we have a convenient winter home maintenance checklist. Starting from the inside of your home is the most efficient.
- Weather stripping– Check around windows and doors to make sure your weather stripping is in tact. If you find cracking or that your weather stripping is worn, it’s time to renew.
- Make sure all windows are fully closed. This means you’ll need to remove any window AC units.
- Check for drafts from windows or doors. This task can be done by a professional if needed, but needs to be done. This step should be done after you’ve done your visual check on weather stripping.
- Ceiling fans can have their directions changed. The idea here is that heat rises, so switch the direction of your ceiling fans. Once changed, you’ll notice that they blow the hot air that rises, down.
- Change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon dioxide detectors. This should be done regularly, but this time of year is even more important. Since you’ll more than likely be using the heater more often, or sitting by the fire in your fireplace, you’ll need these working properly.
- Speaking of that fireplace, the last indoor step you should take is cleaning the chimney. Chimney fires are not the leading cause of fires in the home, but that’s because we clean them.
The above list is a great way to get started preparing for the season. Here in California, that seems to be enough, but since the weather has been so unpredictable this year we need to consider outside as well. Please consider the following checklist this year no matter where you live.
- Check the base of the walls outside for cracks. If you find small cracks, use caulking to fill them for the season.
- While you’re checking the exterior walls of your home, check the paint. If your home is painted, check for peeling paint. While this may not seem necessary, it could be a sign of something bigger to come in the future. Repaint if necessary.
- Patio furniture and BBQ’s will also need protection. Remove any patio furniture and store it in the garage if possible. Cover BBQ’s with weather ready covers to ensure your next summer is filled with great BBQ parties.
- If you have decks or patios that require staining, do this before the wet conditions hit. Make sure you find weatherproof staining in colors that you like.
- Rain gutters need to be cleaned and checked for needed repairs. Try and get this done as soon as possible. Water buildup on the roof is never a good thing. Clean out leaves as well.
- Check the roof for wear and tear on shingles. You can hire a professional to do this, but you definitely don’t want to wait for the first rain of the season to find out if there’s a problem
One of the most damaging things to your home, in California of course, is going to be the rain. The main goal you should have when checking outside, is diverting all water away from the base of your house. You can install underground drains that lead out to the street, or extensions to downspouts. If you find water build-up anywhere, you may find foundation issues later. Please make sure you’ve diverted any and all water build up from around your home. Luckily, in California this season won’t last long, but while it’s here, be prepared.
This winter home maintenance checklist is also helpful to do as you are selling your home. Please email us at Debbie@SandiandDebbieHomes.com if you have any questions!
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