Kim Thompson, Broker
Windermere Real Estate
360-296-3431
bellinghamlifestyle@gmail.com

Visit my website

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Fall/Winter Check List

Are you ready for winter?
Ready for winter?


Here are a few helpful hints on preparing your home for the fall & winter months.
Courtesy of Pillar to post
P2P Logo

Roof Structure

  • Remove moss from roof. (Avoid pressure washing as this often causes more damage than good. Solutions & instructions can be found at most home improvement centers.)
  • Check condition of flashing & repair any loose or damaged shingles.
  • Clean gutters. (Even small amounts of debris can clog downspouts)
  • Keep trees & branches trimmed 6 feet from roof & off power lines.

Exterior Items

  • Trim all vegetation 12 inches away from siding.
  • Keep earth 6 inches below/away from siding & all other wood while maintaining a gentle slope away from the home.
  • Remove all debris away from home such as leafs to help keep pests away.
  • Store firewood at least ten feet from home to help avoid pest infestation
  • To help protect your home from water keep all gaps and joints in siding, even around doors & windows, caulked and keep well painted and sealed.
  • Add storm windows in older homes for better heat efficiency.

Crawl Space

  • Insulate plumbing lines to help protect them from freezing.
  • Keep all foundation vents unblocked year round, except during freezing weather, to provide adequate ventilation especially in the winter months when it is most damp. (Measure & purchase correct size vent plugs before freezing weather arrives.)

Fireplace

  • Have chimneys & flues professionally cleaned before use. (Soot build-up can lead to flue fires which often cause house fires.)

Furnace

  • Gas/propane furnaces should be serviced on an annual basis.
  • Replace/clean filters.
  • Have heat registers professionally cleaned (or vacuum out as far as possible) to cut down on dust or other impurities in the air.

Interior

  • Check weather stripping around doors & windows. (If you can see light around a closed door improvement is needed.)
  • Replace smoke alarm batteries.
  • Add carbon monoxide monitors if your home uses gas or propane for any appliances or has an attached garage. (They are also needed if you burn wood)
  • Add UV lights where desired to help cope with the not so bright NW winter.

Plumbing

  • If you do have "frost free" hose faucets turn water to facets off or insulate them at interior & exterior.
  • Remove all hoses. Even if you have "frost free"faucets freezing water from hose can damage lines.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More

 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Macys Printable Coupons