Six Things To Fix Around The House Before Winter

The harsh winter months are not exactly a welcomed sight after the warmth of spring and summer. The winter weather can wreak havoc on a home that is in disrepair. To minimize the effects of winter, it is a good idea to make sure your home is in its best condition. Here are six home repairs you should undertake before winter.

Check your Garage Doors

Make sure that your garage door is working properly and that it closes completely. Broken garage doors usually get pushed to the side, but it can be costly if it’s not fixed. If it doesn’t close all the way, or if there is space between the garage door and your home, it can cause lots of unwanted things to get inside. With winter weather, leaves, rain and snow and cause a mess in your garage. If the space is big enough, unwanted animals will find their way inside. If you notice problems, contact a professional to help.

Test the Furnace

Check your furnace by late October, before the winter weather arrives. Turn on the furnace to make sure it is working. If the furnace does not start or produces a foul odor, call a professional. You may want to invest in having the furnace inspected and cleaned each year.

Clean the Gutters

Remove all debris and leaves from the gutters. Once all of the debris is removed, use a hose to rinse out the downspouts and gutters. Clogged gutters can cause a build up of water that could leak into the house and damage the foundation. Even if you have leaf guards, you should check the gutters. Leaf guards are not guaranteed to keep the gutters clean.

Winterize Your Pipes

Freezing temperatures can cause your pipes to burst. To decrease the chances of this occurring, wrap the water pipes with foam tubes. The tubes will help to keep the pipes insulated when the temperature drops. If there is a sprinkler system, shut off the water supply.

Repair Any Roof Damage

Inspect your roof each year. If there are any cracks or missing shingles, have them repaired. Winter weather can produce a lot of snow and rain. The water can end up in the crack and leak into the home. The water can also become trapped in between the shines and the roof, causing the material to rot. This can be very difficult to fix one it starts to get cold and snow.

Inspect Your Fireplace

It is not necessary to have your fireplace cleaned every year. However, it is advised that your fireplace get inspected yearly. The inspection makes sure the chimney damper opens and closes. It also ensures that there are no cracks in chimney.

The winter months can bring a lot of snow and cold weather. These weather conditions can damage a home. Making a few, simple repairs ensures that the home is better equipped to handle the weather and minimize any potential damage.

 
This article was co-written with Tommy Mello, who owns A1 Garage Door Service in Phoenix, Arizona. He enjoys sharing garage improvement ideas and maintenance tips.