Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

The seasons are inevitably going to change, and with winter comes harsh weather for much of the country, including cold and snow. You need to prepare your home and yourself for winter and should consider doing specific maintenance to your house with every change of season. In this article, we will focus on the home maintenance you should focus on as winter approaches. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #1 Clean Your Gutters

Winter brings with it heavy rainfall and snow. Gutter cleaning is not the most glamorous job you will do, but it is necessary. If you care for your gutters properly, you will not have to replace them, and you can prevent damage to your roof. If your gutter is clogged, it can break, which adds strain to your roof. If your gutters fill up with ice, it begins a freezing and thawing process that adds pressure to your gutter. After they are clean, you can make sure they are draining properly. Gutter cleaning also helps to avoid ice dams. 

Schedule Your Gutter Cleaning Today!

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #2 Clean Your Drains

You should check for water damage in your basement and attic. If there are water stains, that is an indication that water is getting in your house’s foundation. You should check your attic for signs of mold and mildew. Extending your downspout to move water further away from your house can help to resolve this problem. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #3 Dryer Vents

You may use your dryer more in the winter. Built-up lint is a top cause of fires. You want to remove all of the lint built up in your dryer to reduce the risk of fire. Cleaning the lint improves the efficiency of your dryer. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #4 Seal Doors and Windows

You should check all of your doors and windows to ensure no gaps between the doors and windows’ seals, which will help prevent any cold drafts from coming inside your home. This helps the energy efficiency of your house and potentially saves you on your costs. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #5 Weatherproof Outdoor Pipes

When the temperatures freeze, it can wreak havoc on your pipes. When they freeze, they can crack, and once thawed, gallons of water seeps through the cracks. This water may cause structural damage to your house. Check your pipes for weakness and moisture on connectors and faucets. You want to turn off the water to all exterior faucets to help prevent them from freezing. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #6 Check Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is the last piece of equipment that protects your house against floods and water from the drainage around your house. You want to make sure you test your sump pump to ensure it works properly to protect your house from backing up with water. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #7 Check Your Thermostat and Furnace

Give your system a full test before the temperature gets cold. If anything seems off, call a technician to clean and maintain your system. If you do not already have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one to control the temperature, even when you are not at home. 

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #8 Clean Your Chimney 

If you have a working fireplace, you want to get it checked and cleaned to ensure proper working conditions. Chimney cleaning is an absolute must to help prevent chimney fires.

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #9 Install Storm Windows

Make sure you remove screens from your windows and install your storm windows. You want to check your exterior walls and roof for any signs of damage.

Winter Home Maintenance Tip #10 Exterior Cleaning

Your house needs a good cleaning before the weather turns cold. Your house could benefit from gutter cleaning and pressure washing. It is essential that you hire a professional service, such as Squeegee Squad, to clean the outside of your house. They will clean your house properly with the right amount of pressure to clean but not damage your gutters or siding. 

Find Your Local Squeegee Squad Today!