Fall Home Maintenance = Winter Prep

Despite the unbelievable weather we’ve been experiencing in the D.C. Metro and Northern Virginia area lately, the cold weather is coming fast! I want to be sure you and your home are prepared for the drop in temperature that’s coming soon.

Winterize your plumbing– Don’t wait for the freeze

Frozen water pipes are more than an inconvenience! They can damage fixtures, break water well pumps, and cost hundreds to fix. Timely action now can prevent this issue before it happens.

Taking the proper steps to safeguard your plumbing is a form of personal insurance against Mother Nature. If you have a cabin or summer home that’s vacant in winter, you’ve even more risk. Unattended water systems, especially well and septic systems, need special attention.

Leaking or burst pipes can lead to serious damage, including:

• Saggy or moldy ceiling
• Stains on walls
• Warped floors
• Ruined furniture
• Shorted wiring which can cause a fire

Seal Doors and Windows– $$$

Last year, I personally had an issue with an air leak around my door. With the COVID issues, it took quite some time to get the issue resolved because of supply chain issues slowing us up on getting a new door. I kid you not- I was having to tape my windows to keep the cold draft out one day!

The easiest way to tell if your windows are leaking is by holding up a lighter or lit piece of incense around the outside of doors or windows. If the smoke or flame moves too much in certain spots, there’s likely an air leak somewhere. Or maybe a ghost. Hopefully just a leak right?

If you do have a leak, give me a call and I’ll come take a look. There are options such as window coverings, insulation tape, and other materials that could fix the issue and save you a lot on your heating costs when it gets colder out.

Reverse your ceiling fans

Here’s another one that can help keep your room warm without wasting unnecessarily on your heating bill.

Reversing your fans, especially in rooms with higher ceilings, works very well to push the warm air downwards and circulate your room.

Stock Winter Essentials

Remember the great TP shortage of 2020? Well, I remember it as well as I remember not being able to find salt to keep my sidewalks safe for my kids, wife, and neighbors. Other items that should be stocked before the first snow include snow shovel or snow blower, ice scraper, and coverings for important items like the grill if you keep it outside.

Protect outdoor spaces

Patios and decks should be secured as much as possible. Any furniture, umbrellas, etc. should be considered in case there isn’t storage inside your garage or shed. Protecting metal items from rust keeps your belongings working well when the Spring season comes.

Water your plants

Not all of my garden manage to survive the winter, but a lot of them do if they’re kept healthy prior to the winter. Winter watering on warm days is possible, but don’t forget to disconnect the water hose once you’re done watering.

Drain away!

Make sure that water is draining AWAY from your home. It’s not too tough to check on this, but the key is to create a slope away from the home. Usually, this can be done without adding drainage equipment, but this one is important. Keeping your home’s foundation moisture-free is one of the best ways to keep your basement dry and extend your home’s lifespan.

Keep the critters out

Ratatouille enjoyed cooking, but most of his varmint friends are keener on sneaking into the warmth of your home’s crawlspaces and basement. A quick inspection of your home’s exterior with a can of foam from Lowe’s can be enough to stop the uninvited guests. If you find that they’re already in your home though- it’s time to call the exterminator.

Exterior checklist

Have your roof and flashing inspected, clean and inspect the gutters if you’re around large trees, make sure Santa can slide down your Chimney safely, and double-check the weather stripping around the garage doors and elsewhere.

Miscellaneous

Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and thermostats, check the grease filter if your kitchen has a vent, change water filters, clean air ducts, caulk around your driveway and showers, check pipes in and outside the house for leaks, service your heating system before the cold season begins, and cut back shrubs or trees from your roof if needed.