Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
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It’s that time of year - winter is in full effect. The time when winter storms are wreaking havoc across the country, bringing ice, snow, sleet, and frigid temps. Your home needs a little extra care during these extreme times of the cold season. You might find yourself at a loss asking common questions about what to keep an eye on in the attic, basement, your home’s exterior, and your heating system components. Spring-Green, your neighborhood lawn care specialist since 1977, has all the tips to keep your home safe during the winter months.
How to Keep Your Home Protected All Year Long
- A Sweep of the Chimney is in Order - Wintertime is the best time to take advantage of a warming fire but be sure to have the chimney swept. Also check for any debris, cracks, or signs of damage to your chimney before using the fireplace. Leaves, branches, and even birds’ nests can collect in the areas, posing a fire hazard.
- Sound the Alarms - Be sure to routinely check the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as you crank up the heat and light a fire in your fireplace. If you don’t already have a smoke alarm in every room and every hallway (including the attic and basement), now is the perfect time to install them.
- Be Ready for the Storm - If a winter storm hasn’t hit your area yet, be ready if it does. Have your shovels and snow blowers readied for the potential of a snow storm. Change the oil and check the spark plugs on your snow blowers to make sure you’re ready when the white stuff begins to fall hard. While you’re at it, you might want to add some sand and salt to the shed supplies for when the snow turns icy.
- Look at the Perimeters - From the roof and gutters to the foundation, a review of the state of the outside of the house is in order. If there’s snowfall, it will eventually melt, which could cause a problem if your roof is damaged or there are cracks and leaks that could lead to flooding in the basement or attic. Check your sump pump to ensure snow melt water doesn’t enter your basement either.
- Don’t Ignore the Inside of Your Home - Be sure to check your heating system’s filters, which should be changed routinely. Monitor faucets for signs of freezing that could result in burst pipes and flooding. You can avoid this issue by shutting off faucets that are not in use during winter, and insulating pipes where you can.
- Be Ready for Anything - Winter storms can leave you homebound for days. Be sure to have a supply kit to get you through a few days when icy and snowy roads prevent you from leaving. Canned goods, first aid supplies, wood for the fireplace, and board games can help you get through the cabin fever period.
Winter is upon us, and it will be here for quite a while longer. If you haven’t done a thorough check of your home to prep it to withstand the toughest, coldest days of winter ahead – it’s time! Follow a few simple best practices to ensure your home weathers winter without incident.
Your Spring-Green professional is here to help you assess your property and provide insights as to where improvements can be made. And, of course, when it’s time for lawn care again, we’re standing by with all the lawn care services you need to help you get as much enjoyment as possible from your outdoor living space.