Preventative Home Maintenance for Winter

Winter is coming and while we don’t live in Winterfell, we still have to prepare for what the Farmer’s Almanac predicts is going to be “ frigid and snowy, with a polar blast in late January that will send temperatures plunging to minus 40 degrees.” https://www.sctimes.com/story/news/local/2019/08/28/farmers-almanac-winter-prediction-worst-worst-minnesota/(320) 434-8804/

So, honestly, we’re in for a grueling and long winter which means it’s extra important to do your preventative home maintenance before winter hits. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to ensure your spring and summer don’t consist of major home repairs:

Inspect Gutters and Drainage:

Winter means an increase in rain, snow, sleet, and the like. Cleaning your gutters is certainly not a fun job but it can save you from having to replace the gutters or causing roof damage. Be sure to flush out the gutters with a hose after everything is scooped out to ensure your gutters drain properly.

Check Window Wells:

One of the major reasons for window well flooding in liner failure. If your liner becomes detached from the foundation wall, soil pressure can widen the gap between the loose liner and the wall. This gives water an opportunity to penetrate when the soil becomes over-saturated. Before winter sets in, check your window wells. This is the time of the year where the problem can be at its worst. Inspect the liner and replace any that have become loose.

Prevent Pipes from Freezing:

Insulate the pipes near windows, doors, and areas of the home that are unheated. Disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet and be sure to run hot water during particularly cold fronts.

Prepare for the Storms:

Power outages are common during winter storms, so make sure you’re prepared with a survival kit. Your winter home maintenance checklist should include stocking up on bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid supplies, batteries, and a smart phone charger.

It may seem like a lot of extra work among all the hustle and bustle of back to school, but the extra time now will save you money later!