Is your home prepared for the winter season? If you’re not entirely sure, add these 7 things to your to-do list this fall to ensure that your property is ready for the first frost.
Clean Gutters
Fallen leaves and branches can get trapped in the gutters causing them to sag and collect water. The extra weight can eventually cause the gutters to pull away from the house and pool water or leak. To avoid moisture and roof damage, be sure to clean out the gutters once all the leaves have fallen.
Seal Up Masonry Cracks
The fall is the best time of year to do a walk-around of your home to look for areas that need to be repaired and sealed. Any cracks in your foundation will cause cold air and water to infiltrate your home. Caulking and spray foam can fix minor problems, but if you have horizontal or deep vertical cracks, it’s best to contact a professional masonry company.
Check Your Furnace
A broken furnace in the dead of winter will not only make your home incredibly uncomfortable but it can also cause your pipes to freeze and burst. Before the first frost, have your furnace inspected by a professional who can fix any issues now before they turn into serious ones.
Clean Out the Chimney
Over time, chimneys can collect creosote, an oily black substance. If too much of it builds up in your chimney, it can create a fire inside of your chimney. This can cause flue cracks and house fires, and also send harmful fumes into your home. So, don’t forget to have your chimney cleaned by someone who knows what they’re doing before you use it.
Prepare the Plumbing
Pipes located in unheated areas like your garage and attic are more prone to freezing when the temperature drops. To avoid them from bursting, it’s important to cover the pipes with insulation. Water that collects in your outdoor faucets and garden houses can result in freezing and broken pipes. Be sure to drain any excess water and then shut them off for the winter.
Inspect Your Roof
Is your roof ready for winter? Unless you have hands-on experience with roofing, it’s best to call in a professional to do your annual fall inspection. They’ll check for and fix any loose flashings or damaged shingles that can allow water to enter your home once it melts. If there are unwelcome vermin using your attic as a shelter, they’ll remove those as well.
Tend to Your Yard
Before the first big freeze, you should cut your lawn to its normal height and rake up all the leaves. Any leftover debris can weigh down your grass and result in brown patches next spring. If you always end up with dead patches come spring, talk to a landscaping company to help with your fall and spring maintenance to get beautiful lush grass every year.
Do you have bald spots, weed invasion, or invasive grass species every spring? If so, you need to focus on your fall and winter lawn maintenance plan. If that doesn’t help and you’ve tried everything to get your lawn looking lush to no avail, contact us at Hansen Lawn & Gardens. Our professional landscaping team will prepare your yard for the first frost to keep it healthy all winter long.