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Home
Maintenance
If winter is just around the corner, prevention and proper care
now will make the winter months a little more bearable. The following
tips will help you be prepared to take on any storm that Old Man Winter
sends your way. The days grow shorter and cooler as winter approaches,
so it's a good idea to take care of the outside of your home first!
Outdoor
checklist
- Inspect
and repair gutters and downspouts. Clear away any blockages like leaves
and branches.
- Replace
any missing or damaged shingles.
- Make
sure the chimney is sealed and install a chimney cap to prevent animals
and birds from entering.
- Install
weatherstripping.
- Locate
and repair cracked glass and broken seals on storm windows.
- Repair
deteriorated finish or paint on siding, caulk splitting seams in wood
siding, or replace any missing mortar if your home is made of brick
or stone.
- Trim
trees and shrubs away from the house.
- Repair
cracks in the driveway or sidewalk.
- Apply
an extra coating of waterproofing to decks.
Interior
checklist
- Insulate
the attic properly and make sure it's ventilated to prevent the creation
of ice dams on the roof.
- Insulate
pipes exposed to the cold.
- Have
the furnace, radiators, and valves serviced.
- Lubricate
all pumps, fans, and motors.
- Test
the sump pump.
- Install
a carbon monoxide detector if you don't already have one.
- Make
sure all smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and humidifiers are
properly functioning.
- Check
to see that water drains away from the house during a rainstorm.
Periodic
routine check-ups can go a long way toward keeping your home up and
running throughout the year.
- Service
heating system and air-conditioning system.
- Replace
filters in heating and air-conditioning system.
- Check
for leaks in plumbing.
- Drain
and replace water in water heater.
- Test
pressure valve on water heater.
- Trip
main on electrical panel.
- Check
ground fault interrupters.
- Inspect
all electrical cords.
- Inspect
walls for cracks.
- Inspect
basement for moisture and rotten wood.
- Check
caulking around windows and doors.
- Check
attic for water damage, birds, and rodents.
- Clean
gutters and downspouts.
- Check
roof for damaged shingles.
- Inspect
exterior paint for cracking and wear.
- Lubricate
hinges, locks, and moving door hardware.
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