Just before the winter, it is very important for that we take a proper look at around our homes to check if everything is in place and ready for the cold weather. For homeowners who inspects their home regularly, this is just another routine check. Just that this time around it is very important you do and you may have been missing on something else before. For those who have not been inspecting their homes, this is the perfect time to do so. You may want to check if your windows and door are airtight, your trees are trimmed and are ready to withstand the storm, your roofing sheets are not loose and your gutters are ready for the rain.
These are 11 must-do repairs to prepare for the winter if you have to.
1. Clear your gutters of any debris and extend downspouts away from your home. This helps secure the gutters and prevent flooding of your foundation from excess water. When your gutters and downspouts are properly cleared, snow and ice are not able to render them useless by pushing them away from flashing.
2. Find any signs of deterioration around your walls, skylights, chimney or holes by examining the flashings. If there are leaks, seal with caulk.
3. Inspects vents and openings for insects, rodents, and birds.
4. Replace any old weather stripping on all your windows and door frames. If your windows and doorframe do not have weather stripping, ensure to install it to prevent heat loss during winter.
5. Replace window frames if they are rotten. Also, put in in storm doors and windows to replace your current door and window screens.
6. Exterior taps should be turned off to prevent them from getting freeze during winter.
7. Replace your furnace, air filter for increased efficiency and better working condition. You might also clean it up and check for cracks and voids. To know if the damper is rusted, worn or warped, look out for the drafts.
8. Inspect your tank’s hot water pressure relief valves for proper working condition and flush the tanks to remove sediments.
9. Check for leaks in the basement, attic and crawl space by inspecting the ducts. If you find leaks, use a sealant.
10. It’s a good thing to have the blades of your ceiling fan reversed. This allows warm air to be blown o the floor that supplies increased energy efficiency.
11. Inspect the roofing for leaks and have them replaced. You may also need to check the roofing sheets for any loose fittings and have them fixed.