Fall Maintenance and Winter Preparation Tips

Preparing and maintaining your home for winter does not take a lot of time, but it can save a lot of time, money, and heartache in the end. Since many large home repairs start out as small, minor issues, inspecting and preparing the house prior to the winter months can make the difference between a small problem and a major home emergency. In preparation, it's always a good idea to:

Roof, Attic and Gutters

Check your roof for loose, missing, worn, or damaged shingles. Make sure the flashing is secure around vents and chimneys.

Find out whether gutters are clean, properly aligned, and securely attached at your home.

Make sure your lot is graded so water drains away from the foundation and downspouts direct water away from the house.

Doors and Windows

Replace caulk and weather-stripping that has lost contact with surfaces.

Add deadbolt locks to all exterior doors. If you have an attached garage, this includes the door between the garage and your home. Use heavy metal strike plate with three-inch screws with all deadbolts. Use Grade 1 deadbolts for the highest level of protection.

Check all windows for proper operation. Consider adding supplemental window locks to improve security around the house.

Outside Walls and Framing

Check soffits, siding, brick walls, trim, and flashing for damage, looseness, warping, and decay.

Look for termite damage and signs of other insects or rodents.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change batteries once a year or as needed.

Replace units every eight to 10 years.

Foundation and Basements

Check foundation to signs of settling. Foundation walls should not appear to be bulging or shifting. Cracks more than 1/8 inch wide should be checked out by a professional.

Look in basement and crawl spaces for dampness and leakage. Standing water could be a sign of improper drainage, which can weaken the foundation.

Test your sump pump before the start of every wet season. Battery-operated back-up sump pumps can help protect against power failure or failure of the primary pump.

Plumbing

Look around under appliances and fixtures for leaks or signs of wear.

Make sure that the shutoff valves at all fixtures and the main water line are working, and check the annually.

Insulate or relocate all exposed water pipes to protect them from freezing and bursting. Think about replacing your outdoor water faucets with frost-proof sill cocks.

Consider installing an automatic water shutoff system.

Replace washing machine water hoses every three to five years as part of a proactive maintenance plan.

Check icemaker and dishwasher lines for kinks or leaky connections.

Check your water heater. Most water heaters last eight to 12 years. Wet spots on the floor or a rusted tank may signal a problem. Water heaters should be installed on the lowest level of the home and always be located next to a floor drain.

Electrical and mechanical Systems

Have heating and cooling professionals check your air conditioning and furnace. Consider asking these professionals about having your air ducts cleaned.

Have an electrician inspect your electrical system for safety and performance.

Plug sensitive electronic equipment and appliances into UL-listed sure protector power strips.

Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and damper and the space under the dryer. Poor maintenance allows lint to build up in the exhaust duct and may cause a fire.

Landscaping, Walks and Porches

Check for loose hand rails, banisters and stair coverings. Buckled or cracked walks should be repaired.

Trees should be healthy, have a good root structure, and placed at a safe distance from the home.

Trim shrubbery branches away from siding to help prevent insect and moisture damage. Mulch and earth should be kept eight inches below siding.

Sources: www.StateFarm.com, www.seasonal-home-maintenance.suite101.com