Winter is already here, and the first thoughts of winter are those of festive times before us, beautiful white snow, children on the sleigh, Christmas and new year’s decorations, warm and soft sweaters, and big shawls. But there are also cold winds, cold days and nights, snow that is melting on the roofs and dropping on the sidewalks, and cold and howling winds. There are so many reasons to love it and maybe even more reasons not to be very fond of it. But, if we prepare our homes properly, there is no need to worry. Because when we get back home from the cold outside world, the warmth of our home will embrace us nicely.
Check The Roof
The first and most important thing is to check the roof, for if there are some little cracks in it, they have to be fixed, or otherwise, you won’t enjoy snowy days and nights with leaking roofs. For some little damages, you can fix yourself, or a handyman cat is of help, but for larger areas, you should hire a roofer to do the correct job, so there will not be any leaks. Breaks and flashing seals around the chimneys and ventilation stacks. Check the roof insulation, and if needed, renew it. If you haven’t already used it, try foil reflective insulation. It keeps heat from escaping and reflects it back to your attic.
If you have a flat roof, clean it from fallen leaves, so they don’t keep moisture.
Clean The Gutters
In this festive white season, it is very important that your gutters are clean. Not because it will look more festive and shinier with all the decorations, but to prevent collecting too much water in them if they are clogged with dirt and fallen leaves or pine needles, or even worse, breaking it or tearing from the house. They must be clean and prepared to let lots of water run freely once the snow starts melting. And check the downspouts, and they should take water at least 3 to 4 feet from the foundation. If needed, you can add extensions to your downspouts.
Check Your Windows And Doors
To keep your home warm on cold and stormy days, you need to check your windows and doors. As wood shrinks are affected by the weather, check the gaps between the siding and door or window frames; it is highly possible that they need to be re-caulked.
It is an easy-to-do and inexpensive repair that doesn’t require experts, and you can do it yourself. It is best to use silicone caulk because it is waterproof. You can also use rope caulk for the inside of the doors and windows for additional insulation.
Check Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace, you should see to it that your chimney is cleaned from creosote before the fire-burning season comes because it is very inflammable, and you don’t want to take the risk of setting your chimney on fire. Creosote accumulates inside the chimney when burning wood, and it ought to be cleaned every year. Look for a certified sweeper to inspect the condition of your chimney.
Cut Dry Branches
If you have trees near the house, like those big pines, take care and cut off all the branches that do not look very lively and green. Remember that if there is a lot of snow, it will be very heavy, and if it breaks a branch, it can do damage to the roof, or even worse, it can seriously damage your house.
Protect Your Lawn With Fallen Leaves
It is very good to protect the grass on your lawn by covering it with fallen leaves. When covered with dry leaves, in case of extremely low temperatures and lots of snow, your grass will not be much affected.
And if you mulch leaves with a lawn mower, they will nourish your lawn and prepare it for next year’s gardening projects.
Check Your Sump Pump
It is very important to check your sump pump regularly, and it is most important to check it before the rainy or snowy season. Pour several gallons of water into the sump pit to see if the pump turns on. You don’t want to be badly surprised when the snow starts to melt.
Turn Off The Outdoor Faucets
Don’t forget to turn off your outdoor faucets before the temperature goes too low because you don’t want them to freeze and burst. And don’t forget to drain the lawn irrigation system, as you will need it again next summer.
Prepare for a cold winter with lots of snow, and if it turns out that there is not much snow and it is not that cold – never mind. Better safe than sorry.