As the season’s change and the days become shorter, it’s important to take advantage of whatever daylight you can so you can prepare your home for winter. We understand this might not be at the top of your priority list because we are having summer weather in December, but keeping up on regular home maintenance is crucial to maintaining a comfortable and functional home.
While there are a lot of other things to focus on as the seasons change, it’s essential to winterize your home so it doesn’t get harmed by the seasonal elements. That’s why we put together this winter home maintenance checklist every homeowner should use to prepare their home for winter.
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Inspect Roof
Having damaged or missing shingles on your roof heading into winter is a sure-fire way to encounter a leak during one of those famous Colorado storms. If you don’t have a way to get to your roof, at least try and get a good look at the top of it or call out a professional for an inspection. After all, your roof is one of the most important structural elements of your home – why not make sure it stays in good shape?
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Insulate Windows and Doors
One of the most efficient ways to keep your home warm and protected during winter is to re-insulate your windows and doors. You can buy caulk from your local hardware store and find tutorials on how to insulate windows on Youtube. Generally speaking, if you can fit a coin through a gap between your window or door frames and siding then it’s time to reapply. Make sure you buy exterior caulk for exterior maintenance, etc. This helps ensure your home is properly insulated inside and outside and will be able to withstand the Colorado winter.
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Check Smoke Detectors/Carbon Monoxide
Did you know that the majority of house fires happen in winter? This is often attributed to an increase in using our furnaces. We recommend checking your smoke detectors at least once a year, as well as maintaining a regular schedule with your preferred HVAC provider to make sure your furnace is clean and well-functioning. It’s also important to check your Carbon Monoxide detectors, as windows and doors tend to remain closed in winter which can trap harmful gas inside.
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Clear Gutters
Fall in Colorado means a lot of leaves on the ground, on your roof, and in your gutters. It’s important to clean these out before they clog up your gutters during winter. Having clogged gutters can force water down your exterior, or worse, into your foundation. This will lead to long-term issues with the safety of your home so it’s best to avoid it by giving your gutters routine flushing after all of the leaves fall (pun intended).
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Turn off Exterior Faucets and Drain Lawn Irrigation System
Draining your lawn irrigation is definitely a job for a professional, but it’s important that you do this every year before temperatures drop. A cracked pipe or a leak in your irrigation can lead to bigger, long-term issues that could cost you thousands. Similarly, you should always make sure to shut off your exterior faucets so your pipes don’t freeze and burst when the temperature sinks below freezing.
Bonus Tip: Restock on Winter Essentials
The worst time to realize you are out of salt for your driveway is AFTER you realize that you need it. That’s why we recommend stocking up on your winter essentials before the season actually starts, so you can go into it prepared. It’s not uncommon to see winter essentials sold out at stores because people tend to make these purchases at the same time.
We all want to live in a comfortable home that is functional and safe, which is why it’s so important to take extra steps to prepare your home for winter. A few small tasks can save you a lot of time and money down the line, so keep this list on hand and refer back to it as the seasons change!
If you are a first-time homeowner and need recommendations for a roof inspection or HVAC services, feel free to reach out to us today and we will happily share our referral network with you.