Summer is over, the leaves are changing color, and the weather is getting a bit cooler. It’s time to start getting your house ready for the cold winter months ahead. October is a great month to tackle those home repairs and winterizing projects before winter really starts.
Winterizing your home will help your home run smoothly over the winter and prevent minor issues from turning into large ones. Properly maintaining your home now will cut down on unexpected expenses such as broken pipes and overflowing gutters in the dead of winter.
When winterizing your home, it is important that you take precautions and stay safe. A fall from the roof or a ladder can be deadly so if you are uncomfortable performing any work, it is best to hire a professional.
- Inspect Your Roof – Its not always safe to get up on a roof, so, if possible, do the inspection from the ground, using a pair of binoculars. Look for missing, damaged or loose shingles as well as debris. Call in a professional if repairs are needed but don’t wait as small roof problems have a habit of turning into big expensive ones.
- Clean the Gutters – While its possible to clean your own gutters, in many cases it is best to hire a professional. Remove all leaves and debris to make sure they drain properly during fall and winter.
- Check for Drafts – Check around windows and doors for drafts. Cold winter air coming in can affect your heating bill pretty heavily. If you find any serious drafts, caulk and seal the drafty areas.
- Inspect and Clean Your Furnace – Have a professional test for leaks and check the efficiency of your heating system. The filter should be changed and the entire system cleaned before heavy use during the winter.
- Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Change the batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house. Test all devices to make sure they are working properly.
- Turn Off Faucets – Put away hoses and shut down your outside faucets. A hose attached to an outside faucet in winter will
often result in a burst pipe. Store hoses in a dry place to prevent damage. - Rake Leaves – Clean up the yard, rake up all leaves and debris. Raking leaves can be difficult work. If you are not up to the job consider purchasing a leaf blower or hire a professional or a local teen to help.
- Close Up the Pool – If you have a pool, now is the time to shut it down for the winter. Closing a pool properly will ensure that it is protected over the winter months. Hire a professional or do it yourself if you know how.
Getting your house in order for winter months will cut down on major repairs, as well as help prevent expensive claims on your homeowners insurance.If you have any questions about coverage or your homeowners policy, give us a call at any time so we can help make sure you’re properly protected!