Although it might not feel cold outside, now is the perfect time to start preparing their home for winter, a.k.a. winterizing. As the temperature drops, it won’t be as easy to get out and do the projects needed to help keep your home in great shape through the colder months.
1. De-clutter gutters
Even if you don’t have trees close to your home, rain gutters are still able to collect debris and should be cleaned out before winter. By keeping gutters clean, you are helping prevent ice from building up which can cause gutters to come loose or damage to the roof. While you are cleaning the gutters, make sure to check for loose joints or any other structural problems.
2. Say No to drafts
An easy way to help winterize your home (and help with the power bill) is to find and stop drafts in your home. Start with your attic areas and access panels followed by the basement and then windows and doors. Once you find any areas that are letting air in or out, you can seal them with a good quality insulation, caulk, weather stripping or window film. One helpful hint, when caulking, make sure to remove the old caulk first.
3. Seal the drive
Snow, ice, salt and shovels can really take a toll on your driveway. If you have it sealcoated every three years, that will help to prevent costly repairs or replacement down the road. In addition to not only looking nicer and protecting the asphalt, the darker color will also help to melt snow more quickly in the winter.
4. Trim the trees
Winter weather can mean ice, snow, cold windy days and more. All of these contribute to breaking limbs off of trees and potentially causing home and property damage. First start looking for obvious problems, such as limbs hanging over wires, the driveway and most importantly the house.
5. Chimney check
Thinking about having the fireplace cleaned and serviced when you are still using your air conditioner is tough, but it is one of the most important winterizing projects possible. By keeping your fireplace cleaned and properly maintained you not only increase its heating efficiency, but you also ensure your family’s safety during the winter months.
For more winterizing tips, come see the experts at Action Rental & Sales in Kingsport, Tennessee. Stop by our showroom at 1861 Eastman Road, visit our website or call us at 423-246-5181.