Fall has already given way to winter weather and if you aren’t on top of your home maintenance, the harsh conditions can be damaging to your home and property. The combination of precipitation, cold blustery winds, and low temperatures can take a heavy toll on the interior and exterior of your home. To make sure you’re ready for the colder months ahead, review this handy checklist of common problems.
Roof Leaks – Missing or loose shingles, poor design or lack of maintenance are all contributing factors to roof leaks. Taking care of roof leaks keeps a small problem from becoming a sizable issue.
Furnace/HVAC Breakdowns – Prevent heating system breakdowns and sustain air quality by ensuring your system has been inspected and is well maintained.
Air Leaks – Check that all doors, windows vents and fans are properly air sealed. Drafts can lead to uncomfortable indoor environments and higher heating costs.
Ice Dams – Ice dams that are known to cause damage to roofs, siding and trim. When downspouts and gutters are not properly cleared, allowing melting snow and ice to run off and drain properly, water will refreeze causing ice buildup.
Fireplaces – Make sure your chimney is clean and inspected. Regular maintenance is a necessary safety measure since buildup of creosote inside the chimney can potentially cause a house fire.
Tree Branches – Falling tree branches can cause significant damage to your home. Trim dead branches from large trees and cut back trees that are overhanging or close to your roof and utility wires.
Clogged Gutters – Make sure your gutters are cleaned out. Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your roof, detach due to weight, leak into your home and destroy landscaping.
In-ground Automatic Sprinkler Systems – The pipes of these type of sprinkler systems can leak when not in use; drain all the water out and winterize your system to prevent this from happening.
Burst Pipes – Burst pipes can cause extensive damage. Prevent burst pipes through proper insulation and good heat circulation.
Considering this checklist can help provide information so you can be ready for the trials and tribulations of winter. Keep your home warm and efficient. However, sometimes seasons throw us curveballs we simply can’t plan for so connect with a trusted, professional contractor like Xtreme Home Improvement for help with anything you are unable to handle yourself.