Home Repair and Maintenance Tips
WINTER HOME REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE:
Clean out gutters and
downspouts. Clogged downspouts hold a lot of water which can eventually back up into
the roof causing damage. Dig out bigger debris and flush downspouts out with a garden hose
with high pressure flow nozzle.
Clear yard of downed tree
branches and debris. Leaving these items on your lawn will kill the grass and may
cause other damage as well! The earlier you
clear branches, leaves, and other debris the healthier your lawn will be
year round.
Check roof for possible
damage caused by last year's snow and ice. Snow and ice are hard on your roof and
can damage your shingles so it is wise to take a thorough look over the entire roof
before the new cold and wet season begins. For safety reasons, it may be a good idea to hire a
contractor to inspect the roof for you.
Thoroughly check siding
for any damage. Missing or loose siding can allow for
moisture to get behind other siding and into the structure which can cause damage.
Trim back tree branches
and shrubs that are to close to the house. Tree branches over and/or touching your
roof can cause damage to your shingles and contribute to a big mess in your gutters.
Shrubs growing too thick and close to your house can trap moisture which can ruin your
siding and contribute to foundation problems.
Inspect basement and/or
crawl space walls for potential leaking. Excess moisture in the basement can cause
structural damage and even cause buckling in wood floors on the next level up. Look extra
close at any cracks for signs of leakage. Call a qualified professional to come make any
necessary repairs. Inspect water supply lines and valves to sinks and toilets for any
leaks. Repairing as soon as possible saves a lot of water costs over time and helps
prevent damage to wood and floor coverings. If leaks are discovered, call a qualified
professional to come repair the problems as soon as possible. When feasible, temporarily
close valves that allow water to where the leak is until the necessary repairs are made.
Check pipes and drains for
water leakage. Leaking pipes and drains can cause severe damage to your home. Contact
a qualified professional to repair the problem. Some drains and pipes can be covered with
duct tape to temporarily prevent or slow further leaking until the necessary repairs are
made. However, this should NEVER be considered as a permanent fix for ANY leaks.
Inspect driveway,
sidewalk, patio, etc. for cracks and signs of deterioration. These cracks will allow
water to soften the ground underneath and cause more cracking. You can typically use
concrete caulk for most cracks less than ¼". Just clean out the crack with a high
pressure hose, let it dry, and then apply the caulk into the crack. For larger cracks you
should use concrete patch.
Service
heating systems and furnace to
ensure proper operation during winter months. Hiring a professional to inspect and
clean the entire system will improve efficiency and increase the life of the unit.
Caulk exterior joints
around windows and doors. Properly sealing these joints will prevent a lot of the
potential loss of air and allow less cold air in, which can result in substantial
savings. Lay a bead of caulk along the joint and then smooth it out with a wet finger.
This will provide a nice smooth look to your caulk and also help ensure complete coverage
of the joint area.
Check windows and doors
for smooth operation. Clean and lubricate as necessary using light oil based
lubricant.
Test smoke detectors and
replace batteries if necessary. In addition to checking detectors and replacing
batteries, you should also review your emergency escape plans with your family.
Hire a professional to
inspect and clean chimney. It is easier to schedule a chimney sweep this time of year
and allows for enough time to make repairs before the next heating season.
Install a screen over
chimney. This will help keep out debris and animals while the chimney is not being
used during the summer months.
Clean lint from the
clothes dryer vent system. Not only does a plugged vent cause more humidity to stay in
the house but it also creates a fire risk due to the flammable nature of lint. Be sure to
clean entire system from dryer all the way through outside vent. Also inspect for proper
operation of vent's open/close mechanism. Most typical vents are designed to stay closed
when not in use and open freely when dryer is being operated.
Clean and seal decks.
This will maintain the deck's appearance and provide protection against the elements which
greatly prolongs the life of your deck. Consult with a professional to ensure that you use
the proper materials for your individual application.
Inspect or install
automatic-light timers and motion-detector systems. This will help deter burglars from
your home which is especially important if you plan to go on an extended
winter vacations.
