Get Your Home Ready For Winter – A Checklist For Homeowners
2019-11-04
By: Denise Koslowsky
Although winter is officially over a month away, it makes sense to take advantage of milder weather to prepare your home for the upcoming cold weather. Below is a check-list for homeowners. The items on the list below are all things you should consider taking care of before winter hits.
- Clean your gutters, be sure they are clear of leaves and debris
- Divert water from downspouts so that it flows at least 3 to 4 feet away from your home
- Turn off exterior faucets
- Drain and store hoses
- Make sure you know how to shut off the main water valve
- Flush your boiler regularly if you have steam heat
- Prune any dead branches that could cause harm to your home or power lines during winter storms
- Have your chimney inspected
- Test your sump pump
- Take a look at your roof and call in a professional to repair any loose shingles, clear any accumulating debris and repair any breaks in the seals in the flashing
- Check the weather stripping around your windows and doors
- Double check your oil or propane levels and update your maintenance contract
- Be sure you attic is well insulated and ventilated to prevent the formation of ice dams
- Test your smoke detectors and change the batteries
- Place fire extinguishers in your kitchen, near your fireplace and on each floor of your home
- Stock-up on ice melt, salt or sand
- Make sure your shovel and/or snow blower is in working order
- Install a whole house water leak detection system
We always do our best to educate each client we serve and want you to be prepared so that once winter arrives and the Holiday season begins, you are ready to relax and enjoy!
