It’s the season for crisp air, football, pumpkin-spice lattes, and the perfect time to get your home ready for the winter. By completing a few simple maintenance tasks before the first frost, you can rest easy knowing that your home is buttoned up and ready for the long, cold months ahead. Not sure where to begin? Our homeowner’s checklist can help get you started.
1. Seal air leaks.
Air leaks create uncomfortable drafts and wasted energy. Use color-matched exterior caulk to seal cracks between trim and siding, around window and door frames, and where pipes and wires enter your home. Add door sweeps to the base of drafty doors to keep heat in and cold air out.
Pro Tip: Pick a nice day when temperatures are above 50 degrees so caulk flows easily.
2. Add weatherstripping.
Weatherstripping applied around the frames of windows, entry and garage doors helps boost winter warmth and cut energy costs. Make sure the seal between the door and the ground is tight to prevent drafts and keep out small animals.
3. Clean gutters and secure downspouts.
Clean out gutters when most of the leaves and pine needles have fallen. Clogged rain gutters can cause water to pool and ice to buildup, leading to expensive damage to your roof or siding. Check that your downspouts extend at least 5 feet away from your house to prevent foundation problems. If they don’t, add downspout extensions.
4. Inspect the roof.
Look for signs of damage, such as buckled, cracked, or missing shingles, rust spots on the flashing, areas with moss or lichen growth. Address any concerns with a licensed, certified roofing professional.
Safety Tip: Use binoculars to inspect your roof from the ground.
5. Touch up exterior paint.
Add a fresh coat of paint or sealer to siding, trim, porch stairs or wood floors to help extend the lifespan of exterior surfaces.
6. Check stairs and railings on porches and decks.
Check that all exterior stairs are in good shape and have sturdy railings. Secure any loose fixtures so that they can offer support when walking on slippery surfaces.
7. Install storm doors and windows.
Remove your screens and replace with more insulating and weather-resistant storm windows and doors. Clean and repair screens, and store in a dry area of the basement or garage.
8. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
As we spend more time inside during the fall and winter season, it’s a good idea to be sure your safety devices are working. Test and change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check expiration dates on your fire extinguisher.
Home Maintenance and Repair Services in NH’s White Mountains, Lakes Region, and Western ME
If you’re in need of home maintenance or repair services, contact the pros at Cormack Construction. We’re your local home building, remodeling, and maintenance experts.