Prepare & Protect Surfaces
Winter weather comes with ice and road salt sticking to your home. This can cause gradual wear and tear on paint and furniture. Then as ice thaws and refreezes, it can seep into cracks and widen them over time. Taking protective measures now can reduce the damage and wear to your property.
1. Prepare the Exterior Surfaces of Your Home: Have your house power washed to remove any mold, mildew or stains from summer or previous years. Also consider a fresh coat of exterior paint or stain and sealant (if applicable), to prevent future damage.
2. Seal the Deck: Clean and apply a sealant to protect your deck from winter weather that can lead to decay.
3. Store or Cover Outdoor Furniture: Protect your furniture from the elements.
Complete or Schedule Inspections
Your home is kept warm by a solid roof, proper heating, and good insulation. If any of these pieces fail or weaken, your winter will be a bit rougher. Plan ahead with inspections to ensure you keep warm and safe this season.
4. Inspect and Repair Roof: Check for loose or damaged shingles and repair as needed.
5. Inspect and Clean Fireplace: Ensure it’s safe to use and remove any creosote buildup.
6. Inspect Insulation: Check the attic and wall insulation to keep your home warm and help keep energy costs down.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Inefficient systems might not cause problems, but they do cause a higher energy, heat, or water bill. Save now by preparing ahead.
7. Seal Windows and Doors: Check weatherstripping and caulking and replace if necessary to prevent drafts that sap your home’s energy.
8. Prepare Heating Systems: Have your furnace, boiler, and chimney inspected and cleaned. You don’t want to wait until the middle of an “Arctic Blast” to find out your heater needs repairs!
9. Drain and Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Protect them from freezing temperatures. Left on, they can lead to bursting pipes inside your home.
Complete Yard Maintenance & Emergency Preparedness
These little details may save you money and protect your family this winter. Keep these tips in mind so you have less worries come Spring.
10. Rake Leaves and Mulch: Keep your lawn and garden beds tidy and prepare for winter. This also helps prevent mold and mildew from growing on your home’s foundation and decking or porches.
11. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead branches and shape plants to prevent home damage from snow and ice and during high winds.
12. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris to prevent clogs and ice dams. You can also consider Gutter-Guards to prevent future clogs.
13. Check Detectors: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and batteries are fresh.
14. Prepare Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials like flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and first-aid supplies.
If you need help preparing your home for colder months ahead and you live in the following areas: Ardmore, Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Chester Springs, Devon, Downingtown, Gladwyne, Glenmoore, Haverford, Malvern, Merion Station, Narberth, Newtown Square, Paoli, Penn Valley, Phoenixville, Radnor, Rosemont, St. Davids, Strafford, Valley Forge, Villanova, Wayne, West Chester, and Wynnewood, PA, please give us a call to discuss your needs!
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