Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Being a homeowner means making sure that your house is ready for any type of weather. Preparing your home for the winter months is just one of those critical steps you can’t skip. At Oak City Properties, we suggest doing a quarterly maintenance check of your home at the change of every season. A methodical once over of your property to address any current maintenance issues and negate any future problems.
To help with your winter maintenance, we created the top 7 things to take into consideration when getting your home ready for winter.
#1: Roof and Chimney
Your roof is the number one defense against the elements, but it is often the most neglected part of the home. It is a good idea to complete a visual inspection of your roof 4-5 times a year to make sure that there are no major structural concerns.
- Check for condition of the roofing materials
- Inspect flashing for a proper seal
- Examine for any cracks, or exposed areas
- Look for signs of rot or decay
- Visually inspect the chimney and areas where it touches the home
#2: Gutters
Inspecting your gutters should be done year-round and not just during the fall months when they get clogged with leaves. When inspecting your gutters, make sure to
- Check for debris
- Examine the drain system
- Check downspout
- Look for any areas that could create water or ice dam problems during the winter months
- Trim or remove any trees that may cause damage to your gutters or home
Helpful Hint: When completing your gutter and roof maintenance, make sure it is done from the safety of the ground, through a window, or on a sturdy ladder. If you do not feel comfortable, hire a professional.
#3: Doors and windows
Make sure that your doors and windows are ready for the colder months of winter. To do this, check these areas for any signs of a draft or decay. If you notice any issues, use weather-stripping or caulk to seal them or consider replacing any major concerns before the cold weather settles in.
#4: Get your heating unit serviced
There is nothing worse than being without heat during the winter! One way to make sure you are always toasty and warm is to get your heating unit serviced before the bad weather hits. Consider changing your HVAC filters as well.
#5: Inspect your water tank
Another helpful tip is to inspect your water tank and flush the system. Flushing your water heater removes build-up and makes sure that everything is running efficiently (which is also good for your wallet).
#6: Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
While completing your winter maintenance this year, make sure to change your batteries in both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It is best practice to inspect and change the batteries once a year.
#7: Prevent your pipes from freezing
The best way to protect your pipes during the winter is to keep your heat running. Some long term steps to prevent frozen pipes is to
- Seal all cracks near exterior pipes
- Make sure your home is properly insulated
- Use pipe sleeves to insulate unprotected pipes
Always make sure to know where your main water shutoff is located so that you can quickly turn off the water if there is a problem.
Looking to buy or sell a home?
Oak City Properties knows the home buying and selling process can be complicated, but we also know that a qualified and experienced agent can provide peace of mind during a stressful time. We provide the knowledge, expertise, and experience needed to answer all of your questions and help walk you through the process. Give us a call today (919) 232-9222 to discuss how we can help you or visit us online at oakcityproperties.com