Your home needs a little seasonal maintenance as we move from one part of the year to the next. Just as you should ensure that your garden and home are ready for spring, you should be extra vigilant when winter is about to bring the chill, rain, wind, and perhaps even some snow. As such, here are some of the home maintenance checks that not only keep you comfortable, but keep you safe and healthy, too.
The Roof Inspection
You should check your roof roughly twice a year, the first time being at the start of spring to make sure that the winter weather hasn’t done any damage. It’s even more important to check your roof before winter, however, as snow, ice, and freezing rain can worsen even minor damage, leading to leaks, drafts, or structural issues. Check for missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or clogged gutters that could cause ice dams. Replacing a missing or broken tile now can save you a lot of money compared to having to repair water damage due to an unchecked leak down the line.
Hot Water Becomes Vital
Hot water helps to keep the home warm during the winter, and is vital for taking care of your pipes, playing a role in stopping them from freezing. However, the cold weather does typically mean it requires more effort and energy to keep working, so any underlying issues can get exacerbated. Arranging for an inspection and water heater repair now can help you spot those issues before they become a lot more costly and even potentially dangerous down the line. Once a year is typically enough to keep it in good health.
Don’t Forget Your HVAC
Just like your hot water systems, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning appliances are going to be working their hardest in the winter. Seasonal servicing from a trained technician can ensure that the system operates efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and keeps heating costs manageable. It’s typically best to get this checked in advance of the cold weather, as when winter rolls around, demand for HVAC technicians is going to rise dramatically, making it harder to get seen when you really need it, and potentially making their services more expensive.
Check The Gutters
Your gutters are key in directing water away from your home, but they can go through a lot as winter approaches. Throughout the fall, falling leaves and other debris can get swept up by the wind and can clog gutters, leading to overflowing and leaks, which can then freeze in the winter to become ice dams, which are a major problem for your roof. Before winter, clear out all leaves, twigs, and dirt, and flush the system with water to ensure proper flow. Check for sagging sections, loose fasteners, or cracks that could worsen in freezing conditions, and consider installing gutter guards to prevent buildup in the future.
Being caught unprepared for winter can make things dangerously chilly. As such, the sooner you get started with the maintenance above, the better it will be for you and your family.
