Winter Maintenance Tips

With temperatures dropping and winter approaching, it’s smart to take a look around your property and prepare for a few challenges the rainy season brings. From sealing air leaks to preventing water damage, there are various tasks homeowners should take on to ensure their property remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the winter months. Here are a few of our top tips, helping you protect your investment and keep things in good condition.

1. Clean and inspect rain gutters and downspouts. Remove debris from the gutters, verify downspouts direct water away from the foundation and add gutter guards if your property is under trees.
2. Check the roof for any damage. Look for missing shingles, lifted flashing, or pipes that need to be re-sealed. Many roof leaks go undetected for long periods of time as most owners don’t often look in their attics. If you are concerned about your roof’s condition, inspect for potential leaks during or after your next rain storm.
3. Seal cracks/gaps around windows and doors. This will help prevent heat loss, should reduce heating bills and also prevents water intrusion during storms.
4. Trim trees and bushes at least 12-24” away from the house to prevent wet plants from rubbing against siding. Remove branches overhanging your property as this has become a reason for insurance companies to deny renewals.
5. Maintain exterior drainage. Inspecting your property while it’s raining is helpful to understand where water flows. Make changes to your landscape so drainage is flowing where you want it. Clear drains to help prevent ponding.
6. Seal or cover any areas where rodents can try to enter your home looking for a warm place to nest. This could include foundation vents, dryer ducts, and holes or gaps at siding and eaves. Keep in mind that any vegetation up against the house or roof allows critters to get access to areas you wouldn’t think they could enter your home.
7. Have your furnace inspected to ensure it is operating efficiently. Especially with older furnaces, you’ll want to periodically have the heat exchanger inspected to confirm it’s not spilling carbon monoxide into your home. This is also a good tim to replace the air filter (recommended every 3 months).