How to: Preparing your house for winter
We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but as we move into the colder months, it’s just as important to tackle some cleaning around your house to ensure it’s ready for the oncoming winter.
- As the leaves fall off the trees, they don’t just overtake our yards but also fill our gutters. Cleaning your gutters is important to ensure water can easily flow off your roof and avoid leaks. Clogged gutters can also damage your siding, windows and foundation from the water draining incorrectly. The easiest time to clean them is the day after a light rain. So, grab a pair of gloves, trowel and garbage bag, and your tallest ladder to remove any debris from your gutters. If there are any tough spots, a stiff brush or high-pressure hose might also be useful to get everything clean.
- While you’re on the roof, look it over to make sure there’s no damage. Inspect your attic as well to catch any small leaks that aren’t visible from the roof, so no further damage happens during the coming snow.
- If you have a wood-burning fireplace, check the chimney for any debris and clear it out. You might need to call in a professional to ensure you and your family can safely enjoy a cozy fire every night.
- Winterize your pipes by disconnecting outdoor hoses, draining them and covering the faucets. Fix any broken windows or openings so cold air can’t get in and freeze your pipes, especially in a basement area.
- Check out your HVAC system to ensure everything is working properly and replace air filters. Serving your system now will hopefully get ahead of the rush when the cold hits.
- Clean out your car from all the summer activities and make sure it’s equipped with a snow scraper, blanket or coat in case you get caught in the cold.
There are so many things we can do now in the fall to help us be more prepared for winter, and this is a great place to start.
What are your top fall cleaning tips? Let us know in the comments!
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