10 Winter Home Maintenance Tips
There are a few crucial things you should do before winter storms hit to prevent any weather-related damage from occurring to your home. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of ten maintenance items that should be on your to-do list, both for the interior and exterior of your home. By staying on top of these regular tasks, you can avoid having to pay for costly repairs when warmer Spring weather arrives.
- Check your fireplace — A yearly cleaning of your chimney will reduce the risk of fire in your home.
- Clean your gutters — Clogged gutters are one of the leading causes of exterior and interior wall damage, as well as foundation damage to your home.
- Prepare your winter storm kit — Before a big storm hits, be prepared by ensuring you have all the necessary supplies. This includes shovels, ice scrapers, and pet-friendly ice melt. Also, don’t forget to check your flashlights and generator to ensure they both have fresh batteries and gas.
- Clear your roof — It’s important to rake your roof after every snowstorm. This will prevent ice dams from forming, which could damage your roof. A roof rake is the best tool for the job!
- Clear ice dams — To reduce any damage that may occur, rid your roof and gutters of any ice buildup. If you have heat cables, be sure to turn them on.
- Clean out your entryway — Create more space for weather-related items by getting rid of anything you don’t need in your mudroom or entryway. Use a boot tray to keep your floors clean.
- Use storm windows — Update your screen windows and doors to storm windows and doors. Your home will be better insulated, meaning you won’t have to spend as much money heating it.
- Prevent frozen pipes — Before you leave, it’s important to take care of your home so that returning is a smooth process. Disconnect outside hoses from faucets and make sure exterior pipes are insulated – this includes windows, doors, and any unheated areas in your house. Additionally, set your thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher before leaving.
- Prevent draughts — By caulking your windows and attaching a door sweep, you can prevent cool air from seeping into your home, thereby saving money on heating costs. Also be sure to check your weatherstripping.
- Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — This season, take proper precautions for your safety: check that your carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
With MAK Construction Corp., our experienced team can help repair or install a new roof on your home and handle any home remodeling project. Don’t hesitate to contact us today!