The benefits of winterizing your home are well worth the work required. Here are five easy steps to help you prepare your home for the coming season:
- Clean Your Gutters
We recommend checking and cleaning your gutters at least four times a year, particularly in the fall after the leaves have fallen and the snow has not. Take the time to run a hose through the gutters to check for misalignments. And while you’re up there, check the roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. - Winterize Outdoor Spigots
Simply turn off the water supply valve (located indoors) that supplies water to an individual spigot, then open the outdoor spigot to drain out any remaining water. - Rake, Fertilize, and Treat
If you are going to fertilize your lawn, the fall application is the most important. Specialized fall fertilizer can be found at your local hardware store or can be done by a professional. Rake up your leaves before the snow flies. A large number of unraked leaves can devastate your lawn. Much like fertilizing, fall is an ideal time to apply treatment for unwanted lawn weeds. - Clean and Check Your Furnace
We recommend having your furnace or boiler inspected annually, by a professional, before winter sets in. And don’t forget to change your furnace filter regularly! - Seal the Gaps
If the gaps between siding and window or door frames are bigger than the width of a nickel, you should reapply exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and is impervious to the elements. Check window-glazing putty and add weather stripping as needed around doors.
By completing the items listed above before winter arrives, your home’s overall longevity will be extended and you will have aided in the prevention of potentially major home repairs down the road. If you have any further questions about how to prepare your home for winter or who to call for help, do not hesitate to reach out to your Fazendin Realtor®.