Preparing Your Property For Winter
I am starting to make my plan for what I need to do this fall to prepare my property for the winter. I can easily say that I don’t like winter. However, getting work done in the fall can help you make it through the winter trouble free and being more comfortable. This is what I plan to do.
Landscaping
I will clean up the debris from the Landscaping but leave as much of it in place as possible. I will not prune anything. I like the landscaping to still be visible throughout the winter. Gives you something to view out the window and see on the cold dreary days! Did I mention that I do not like winter?
Pruning of shrubs is best done in late winter early spring. This will help promote new growth.
Gutters and Down Spouts
After the leaves have fallen from the trees, clean the gutters and down spouts. The gutters need to be able to drain water without restriction from the leaves.
The downspouts should be draining the water away from the foundation at least 3-4 feet. If not, add extensions to them. Water next to the foundation can cause problems and anything you do to minimize water in the basement is worth it.
Make sure all water is draining away from the house. If it isn’t, get that fixed now. You don’t want the water flowing toward your house when the snow melts and the early spring rains come!
Decks
Check your deck for boards that need to be replaced. My deck is made of pressure treated wood. Pressure treated wood should not be painted right away. I, therefore, replace any boards that may need to be replaced in the fall. Then in the spring, I will be able to paint/stain the boards without much trouble.
Sidewalks and Driveways
Check the sidewalks and driveways for cracks or unevenness. Look for gaps between sidewalk, driveways and your house foundation. Apply a silicone caulk that adheres to concrete to cracks and gaps to help minimize water entry. When water penetrates the cracks or gaps and freezes, the expansion of the water will cause even further damage. Minimize this damage by adding caulk to the cracks and gaps.
If there is a large amount of unevenness in two adjoining pieces of concrete, consider getting this fixed. One piece may have settled into the ground further than the adjoining piece. This condition will not fix itself and may continue to worsen. You may be able to hire a contractor to even the concrete out without having to replace the concrete if done soon enough.
Masonry
Checks for cracks in the foundation or any other masonry such as brick siding. Caulk small cracks to keep water from entering. If need be, call a professional and fix larger cracks. Again, these won’t heal themselves and generally worsen with time if not taken care of properly.
Windows and Doors
Check for areas where air can enter around the window and doors. Caulk and areas with a good silicone caulk. Keeping the cold air out of the house will make your house feel much more comfortable and lower your energy bill.
Pest Control
Animals don’t like the cold either and will look for places to stay warm. Mice can fit through some very small holes in your siding. Check for potential entry places where you siding meets the foundation. Plug any holes that you find. I always set traps in the basement just in case I miss a hole that was created over the summer that would allow the pest to enter the house. Catch them early before they multiply!
Furnace and Ductwork
If you haven’t had your furnace serviced in a while, you may want to consider doing so. The technician will make sure the furnace is working correctly and efficiently. Make sure you change the filters.
About every five years, I have our HVAC ducts cleaned. I am always amazed at how much dust accumulates in the ducts. The cost to have a professional clean the ducts is not excessive. If you have never had it done, I strongly suggest you do.
Fireplace
I have a gas fireplace but hardly ever use it. However, I can remember two years ago when that was my only source of heat for several days. If it would not have started, I would have been in trouble. Now is the time to make sure you gas fireplace still works. Is the pilot light on and will the fireplace start? Is the ventilation still working adequately?
If you have a wood burning fireplace, do you have wood? When is the last time you have the chimney cleaned or inspected? Soot and other debris build up can keep your fireplace from working correctly.
House Ceiling Fans
The ceiling fans should be rotating in the direction that causes the air to lift upward. Most fans lift air up when they are rotating clockwise. With the air being lifted upward, that will force the hotter air near the ceiling to move downward. This will have the effect of making your rooms feel more comfortable
Sump Pump
This summer has been dry and my sump pump has not run in days. This is the condition for many homeowners. Check to make sure your sump pump is still working by draining water into it until it turns on. You should do this every couple of months.
Snow Blower and Ice Melt
There is nothing worse than getting a half foot or more of snow and your snow blower doesn’t start. Have fun shoveling! Now is the time to make sure your snow blower starts and that you have enough fuel.
Make sure you have something to melt ice from the stairs and sidewalks as well. Early in winter freezing rain is common. The “Ice Melt” make it safer to walk on them.
Summary
Did I mention that I don’t like winter? If you get prepared ahead of time you can save yourself a lot of trouble. Winter is coming if we like it or not. Might as well as get ready for it.