Home Prep for the Fall:
This is the ideal time of the year to get your home or cottage ready for the upcoming winter season. The weather is still nice enough to let you get outdoors to button things up. Here are a few things to keep in mind when tackling your home or cottage, from top to bottom, both inside and out.
Check your roof:
Starting with the outside and working your way from the top the roof is a good first priority. You don’t necessarily need to get up there, but a good visual inspection is a must. Check for loose or cracked/curled shingles, look for debris and moss growth. If you have an active chimney, have is cleaned by a professional. (don’t forget to stock up on firewood too)
Clean up your yard:
Keep an eye out for problem trees that could affect your home. We usually get at least one ice storm per year that pulls down branches. Be proactive and get them before they fall on your home. This is also an ideal time to do some good housekeeping on your gardens. Pull weeds, plant bulbs, deadhead flowers, and even bring in flowerpots before the seasons change too much. That way you have a jump on it in the spring.
Check your eaves:
Leaking eaves can be a real problem. With the fall rain and the melting and freezing that occurs throughout the winter, faulty troughs can cause unwanted water to make its way into your basement come spring. Check out our previous blog on leaky eaves here.
Keep the outside out:
Inspect all openings and seal what you have to. Windows and doors that allow the cold air to make its way inside will cost you money in the long run. Take care of them while the weather is still nice. Applying exterior caulking and installing new weather stripping in twenty below weather is less than ideal.
Moving inside:
Check the work you did on the outside of your home to make sure it’s not coming in. Inspect for drafts and openings. You can use the back of your hand an indicator, or try using a lighted candle as a visual cue.
HVAC:
Get your furnace inspected and cleaned before the winter. The spring and summer months tend to bring in a good chunk of pollen (and other outdoor debris) into your home and through your ventilation system. Having it cleaned by a professional will keep you from sneezing all winter long. This is also a good time to winterize your air conditioner units. If it is a central air unit, it likely needs to be covered to protect it from the elements. And, if it is a window mounted unit, get it out of there and seal things up.
Safety first:
While you’re in the mood, go through your home to see if any safety items need servicing or replacing. As I’m writing this I have a smoke alarm in my basement letting me know that it wants a new battery. I hear the irritating beep every few minutes. Replace batteries as needed, and get your fire extinguishers inspected and refilled.
Lastly, the shed:
Start organizing your summer equipment and get it ready for winter storage. Don’t worry it’s not going to snow tomorrow, but it’s good to keep in mind nevertheless. I will post something closer to winter on how to properly winterize your equipment, and how to bring your snow blower back to life.
Those are only a few tips and tricks for the home. Each house is different and has its own unique set of needs. For a full home inspection and a winter maintenance package, give Harbourview Property Management a call. “You’re busy. Let us do the work!”