Preparing your home for the cooler fall and winter seasons isn’t as daunting a task as many might think. Home preparedness means taking the necessary steps to winterize your property. Home inspections and home preparedness are smart ways to protect yourself from high repair costs down the line, not to mention smart ways of preventing unnecessary property damage. Sherman Home Inspections has you covered with these easy to do home maintenance tips for fall.
Weather stripping:
The is necessary to seal the creases at the bottom of any exterior doors where light and air escapes. Light and air leaks can lead to a high gas bill, so several packets of rubber foam adhesive weather stripping are a perfect and cost-effective solution. If the issue of a high gas bill continues, then it’s time to consider replacing the strips altogether.
Clean Weep Holes:
No one thinks about weep holes. At least not until they become clogged with debris, preventing the proper drainage of rain away from the home. The tiny holes can be found on many sliding doors and vinyl replacement windows. To assure these holes are indeed working, use a garden hose to spray water and watch for a consistent stream to flow from those holes. To unclog any blockage, simply use wire or compressed air to clear any debris. Now, recheck the hole until it is completely clean.
Garden Hoses:
Since we mentioned garden hoses, now may be a perfect time to remind readers to drain their garden hoses before putting them away. Many of us, due to laziness, neglect to drain our hoses. However, once frozen, water that remains in the hose splits the hose open. Unless you like flushing money down the drain replacing hoses every winter, take several minutes to drain your hose before putting it away.
Gutters:
Cleaning your gutter is such a simple fix that neglecting to do so is plain recklessness. Get a ladder and an old plastic spatula that won’t scratch the gutter and cleanup will be a breeze. Since the spatula is plastic you can cut it to fit the gutter drain and grime wipes right off.
Carbon Monoxide:
Thanksgiving and Christmas are drawing near and so are family gatherings. Both the oven and stove are in full gear, so is the water heater, fireplace and heater working to combat the cold. Perfect conditions for carbon monoxide buildup. A UL-listed carbon monoxide detector is a smart way to protect your family and friends. If you don’t already have one, get one at your local home center or discount store.
Chimney:
Finally, your chimney is a fire risk. The buildup of creosote can cause a fire. You should have your chimney inspected and/or cleaned every 70 fires. Never burn wet wood, but if you find yourself breaking that rule, inspect and clean your chimney every 50 fires instead of 70. If you can’t remember the last time your chimney was inspected and cleaned that is probably a sign you are due.
Remember, Sherman Home Inspections, LLC is here for all your home maintenance, inspections, and cold season preparedness needs. Contact us today at Phone: (508) 947-7595 Email: shermanhomeinspections@shermanhomeinspections.com or visit https://shermanhomeinspections.com/
Comments are closed.