November is here, and winter’s cold winds are just around the corner. Is your home ready? Fall, what little is left of it, is a good time to prepare for the cold weather while outside projects are still tolerable. Below are a few items you might want to add to your own personal winterization checklist:
1. Seal around the sewer vent pipe(s) in both the basement and the attic to keep your heated air inside.
2. Replace missing storm windows and/or install plastic film to block the outside drafts. Also, check to see that your weather stripping is in good shape surrounding your exterior doors.
3. Check windows to make sure they are tightly latched and the seal is free from debris.
4. Remember to close you fire damper after the chestnut’s are roasted.
5. Cover wall-mounted air conditioners with plastic film or an air-tight cover. Remove or cover window units, knowing that removal is the best choice whenever possible.
6. Install missing weather stripping around doors and caulk around window frames, but do not caulk them shut in case of emergency.
7. Remove garden hoses. Shut down and drain all outdoor faucets that may freeze, or you can have special "frost free" silcocks installed. A frost-free silcock makes it possible to use the faucet all winter since the turn-off portion of the valve is located inside the house. Make sure your underground sprinklers have been winterized properly.
8. Install a code-approved "ice-dam barrier" where ice may collect on your roof, or in your gutters. There are plenty of do-it-yourself solutions that can be installed according to your local codes, and plugged it into an approved outdoor G.F.C.I. electrical outlet. This is one thing you will never regret doing.
9. Seal any (small to big) cracks in your driveway and/or walkway before they become giant cracks in the spring. If you decide to leave the cracks exposed, water will happily make them it’s winter home. During the winter’s cold days, the water will freeze and expand. On warmer days it will melt and contract. This process will repeat all winter and before you know it, spring comes and your concrete will be “cracking up” at you! There are plenty of approved crack fillers at your local hardware for just about every type of surface you can think of.
10. A few more straggling reminders: Appropriate storage of your outdoor furniture. A change of air filters. Checking and/or or installing sump pumps in your basement, and a cleaning of your gutters and drains..
For most people, your home is the biggest investment you will make in your life. Be sure to invest the proper time and energy protecting it. Do it and your home will spend its life time protecting you and your family!
Have a wonderful Day!
The Northouse Team ~ Five Star Real Estate
Jeff Northouse ~ Malinda Root
