Top 5 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Winter
Top 5 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Winter
It’s that time of year again the days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling and the rain has returned. As a homeowner, these changes are a reminder that some preventative maintenance around the house is required. Here are the top 5 lists for must-do’s before winter:
In case you just moved to Vancouver from Arizona, you know the west coast gets a substantial amount of rain. As a homeowner checking that your property’s ability to deal with water is crucial to preventing costly water damage. Take a walk around the exterior of your home next time it rains hard and looks for the following:
Gutters – Are they flowing freely? If you can safely look inside make sure they are free of debris. If you can’t you should hear water running through the downspouts and water should not overflow the tops. Clean gutters divert the water from your roof away from your foundation. Clogged gutters can also cause water to seep over the back of the gutter, causing the fascia to rot. The bottom line is water damage is expensive to repair and gutter cleaning is an affordable way to prevent it. If you are located on the North Shore, we can clean your gutters this fall!
Paint protects the wood on your home against moisture. Once it begins to peel and flake moisture begins to cause rot. Even touching up problem spots before the winter months will save you money the next time you decide to repaint.
Windows & Doors. Caulking your windows and doors prevents moisture and mold. It’s an easy fix considering the alternative. We don’t need to tell you how nasty mold is. A good seal also prevents heat from escaping, reducing heating costs.
Take some time to inspect your driveway for cracks. Damage to asphalt happens in the winter when moisture enters the cracks and can freeze (even in Vancouver). Filling the cracks and sealing the driveway will extend the life of your driveway and make it look better too!
Remember your high school science? Heat rises. Make sure the ceiling fan is directing warm air down from the ceiling. While you’re at it why not change your furnace air filter?
Remember to store your outdoor cushions in a dry area, all that rain isn’t good for them even if they are treated. Empty the soil from any clay pots you have stored in your yard – frozen soil will cause them to crack.
We see it all the time. Neglected roofs full of debris and moss that look terrible and are causing needless damage to the property on otherwise well-maintained homes. Roofs aren’t cheap and they protect your home from moisture. Debris and moss compromise this system and redirect water where it isn’t supposed to go. They also cause the roof to age prematurely.
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