Fall Maintenance Tips for Home Owners
Most of your exterior maintenance on your home and property has to be done before the snow flies. Preparing your home for winter can save you energy and money. Follow these steps to help protect your home and your investment.
Exterior
Caulking is one of the easiest yet one of the best problem preventing maintenance chore you can do. Ensure all exterior joints are sealed, caulk any penetrations such as sump drains, furnace vents and any water lines. Check your windows mortar at sills, this can save you the cost of replacing brick as the thawing and freezing action of water in the winter can destroy your bricks if you allow it access.
Check your roof closely for any cracked caulking at flashings or around vents. Look for any loose of missing shingles that might require replacement. If you have a masonry chimney you should check to ensure all cracks and seams are sealed on the cap area. Water can enter at your cap if allowed and start destroying your chimney from the inside. If you burn wood then it probably would be a good time to have your chimney cleaned in preparation for a new burning season. Check your damper, fire brick if present and clean out any old ashes.
Clean your gutters of leaves and fix any leaking areas. Ensure all downspouts are firmly attached and clamps are in place.
Inspect your asphalt driveway for cracks and fill with a commercial filler then coat with a sealer. If you have a visible gap at garage floor joint then seal with asphalt caulking which will prevent water from freezing and actually pushing your asphalt away from concrete floor.
Cottages
For those closing their cottages for the season, now’s the time to seal any openings that could attract animals and trim back tree branches near the roof. Cottage owners should hire a local to remove snow from the roof to avoid a collapse, and don’t forget to drain water from pipes and pumps before leaving for the winter.
Interior
Heating your home accounts for over 40% of your energy costs during the winter. Run your furnace prior to winter to ensure it is operating properly. Check that your filters are clean and have your furnace tuned up by a professional to ensure it is running at it optimum efficiency. Change your furnace filter monthly. Check window sills and frames for cracks where water can enter. If wood sills need repainting, get it done. Exterior doors can have weather stripping and an adjustable door sweep installed to reduce unwanted air flow and heat loss. Outside water supply taps and lines should be shut off from inside the home; the taps and lines should be drained of all water and left open. Insulating plumbing pipes will not only prevent any chance of freezing but it will also prevent condensation. If you have hard water in your area it is a good idea to drain your hot water tank removing built up sediment from tank.
Equipment
Winterize and store equipment. Drain the gas from your lawnmower. Wash and store patio furniture and gardening equipment in a dry area to prevent rust and mildew. Disconnect garden hoses and drain prior to storing. Rather than covering your air conditioner, place some spacers on top with a weighted piece of plywood to keep snow off, but allow lots of ventilation to prevent corrosion. Store any paints and other liquid products in a heated area to prevent freezing.