Winter is coming, and you need to prepare your home. Is your home ready for the first snowfall? Are there any leakage problems you should be aware of? Here’s a checklist of home maintenance steps to keep everything running smoothly.
Check Windows And Doors For Air Leakage
Windows and doors are another essential part of your home’s heating system. When checking your windows and doors for air leakage, make sure that you check the seals around them. If there are gaps in the seal around a window or door, this means cold air is getting into your home. This can be bad during winter because it can cause condensation within the house and possibly damage objects inside.
When you’re done checking these seals around the doors and windows, make sure to check if there are gaps in the structure of your home. It’s also best to schedule any heating repair services that need to be addressed.
Inspect Your Roof
Your roof protects you from the elements and keeps the water out of your home. However, it overlooks the damage caused to it. The common problem is people don’t know how to inspect their roofs when it’s time for winter maintenance.
Learn about weather conditions in your area and how they can affect your roof. If you expect gale-force winds or heavy snowfall, your roof may need reinforcement immediately. Make sure you know what type of roofing materials are used so you know what to expect when it comes to maintenance.
Also, call in professionals to look for any leaks and check around the edges near the seams. You may see moisture seeping through this area, indicating that there may be more severe damage elsewhere on your roof that needs repairs as soon as possible before freezing temperatures arrive.
Fix Damaged Siding
When checking your damaged sliding, the first step is to assess the damage. You’ll need to check where the siding has been broken or cracked. This includes both sides of each board and holes or cracks that run through multiple pieces. If you see large areas of damage, you may need a professional contractor specializing in siding repair work.
Once you’ve assessed all the damage, take pictures of each section of the damaged siding so you can reference them later when planning repairs or looking for replacement parts if necessary (such as boards). You’ll also want to photograph any holes or cracks running through multiple boards at once so that you can adequately match screws for each board.
Clean Your Gutters
Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent a buildup of debris and leaves, which can lead to clogging. If you don’t regularly clean your gutters, you could risk having them freeze this winter, and that’s no good news for your home’s heating system. Here are some steps you can take to help keep your gutters in top shape:
1. Check for leaves and debris in the gutters. Gutter screens can trap these materials, so when you look down the gutter, make sure they’re clear.
2. Clean or replace any damaged or defective gutter system parts. This includes the downspouts, covers, and hooks on which they hang!
3. Put down new sod if needed around your roof so that water does not pool up there during heavy rains or snowfall (and water pools on roofs often lead to rotting wood).
Conclusion
By following this checklist, you’ll be able to prepare your home for winter. Regular maintenance in the winter will keep your house safe from damage and keep you and your family members comfortable. Just don’t forget to service your HVAC system as well.