As the summer months wind down, it is time to start thinking about the onset of colder weather and the steps that need to be taken to prepare your house for what winter has to throw at it. The time to start making repairs and preparing is now, before the chillier months prevent you from going outside, and the busyness of the holidays overtakes all your free time.
Inspect your furnace
You rely heavily on your furnace during the winter months, so inspecting it before the cold weather comes is critical. You may want to invest in an annual tuneup so that you can avoid mechanical breakdowns during the coolest months of the year. Be sure to clean out the filters, look for signs that may signify problems, and stay warm this winter.
Prevent pests
While it may seem that all creatures die once the cold hits, you can’t risk an infestation during the middle of winter if they find a hiding place in your foundation. Check all around you house and seal any cracks that may let in bugs or mice. Try to get rid of them before autumn is over so you don’t have to deal with them in winter as well.
Clean your gutters
Fall may be beautiful, but those colorful leaves can clog up your gutters and cause you serious problems when precipitation levels get higher. Your gutters are the pathway for water and melting snow so that the weight does not cause damage to your roofing system. By cleaning out your gutters and inspecting the gutter system for misaligned areas and leaks, you can avoid flooding this winter.
Check for leaks
Leaks do not only cause discomfort, they can cause damage to your flooring, your walls, and your ceiling. Be sure to inspect all around your home to look for obvious leaks. Seal these leaks with caulking and sealers, and hire a professional if you have a leaky roof. If you see signs of a leaking roof on your ceiling, it is time to find someone to diagnose the minor problem and fix it before it becomes a major one.
Only after you seal leaks, prepare your furnace, and clean your gutters should you worry about finding holiday decor. Make sure your home is functional during the winter, and then you can spend time giving your home the winter home makeover you have been looking forward to doing all year long.
Contributed by: Coomer Roofing.