Home maintenance should be done year-round. Every season brings a different kind of test to your house, and you must ensure that your home is prepared enough to endure it. Now that the winter season is here, we’ve created this winter maintenance checklist that you can refer to in order to ensure that your house would experience less risk of damage.
Home Maintenance to Do During Winter Season: Outside Your House
1. Clear Your Gutters
Blocked gutters can cause flooding when the snow melts. It may also result in wood rot and mould. So, it is best to check the gutters and clear out any blockage and debris that may cause flooding or damage. If your channel has been damaged in a storm, it may be time to replace it.
2. Winterize Your Plumbing System
You may be in danger if your drains get frozen. You can prevent this by turning off the main water supply to your house and draining the water supply to your toilet, sinks, and water heater for about 15 minutes. After that, turn the main supply back on to let the iced water run out.
3. Clean Your Roof
Cleaning your roof during the winter season is crucial because it will help you eliminate any debris or moss that may have accumulated on your roof. Keep in mind that the winter season is quite a long time, and you would not want your roof to suffer carrying such a heavy load for that long, would you?
4. Check Your Air Conditioner
The winter can bring freezing conditions which can be hard to endure. So, it is best to check your air conditioner and maintain it properly. If you do not, you may end up with an air conditioner that would no longer function once the heat kicks in.
5. Trim Your Hedges and Shrubs
It is always a good practice to trim your hedges and shrubs at least every two weeks. This way, they will not be susceptible to damage from ice and snow.
6. Cover Outdoor Fixtures
If you have outdoor lights and outdoor decorations, you may want to cover them with some plastic or a tarp to prevent them from being damaged by ice and snow.
Home Maintenance to Do During Winter Season: Inside Your House
1. Check Your Heating System
Keeping your home warm is one of the most crucial things that you will need to take care of during the winter season. That is why it is best to have your heating system checked regularly.
2. Install Storm Shingles
You may want to install storm shingles to protect your home from the damage that can be brought by the winter season. Some shingles can be installed as an add-on to your existing shingles. Contact a professional contractor if you have decided to invest in one.
3. Replace Your Attic Insulation
If you want to maintain your house the easiest way possible, you must replace your attic insulation regularly. It is very important that you choose a suitable material to use. You should also let a professional do it for you.
4. Check Your Chimney
Trees and buildings can sometimes block the chimney, and iced snow may also cause a blockage. If you want to prevent any problem from happening, consider checking your chimney regularly.
5. Keep Your Windows, Doors, and Skylights Well Sealed
The winter season can be quite uncomfortable if you get exposed to cold winds. You can prevent this by ensuring that your windows, doors, and skylights are well sealed.
Conclusion
Home maintenance is essential. If you want to protect your home from the damage that the elements can bring, you must ensure that your house is well maintained. The winter season can be quite harsh, and you must make sure that your home can stand the test. These are just a few tips that you can follow to ensure that your home is ready to face this winter season.
If you are looking for quality home improvement services at affordable prices, we can help. Gillespie Handyman has served residential and commercial customers in Ottawa for 15 years. Experience the benefits of home maintenance with us!