With these 5 easy steps during the fall, you can protect your home and make the spring easier.
1. Caulk around exterior door and window frames for a tight seal. Look for gaps where pipes or wiring enter the home. This will help prevent cold air from entering, save you on water damage and pests looking to find heat in your home.
2. Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Water, wind, ice and snow can cause serious damage to a vulnerable roof and cause further damage inside the home. Always have a qualified professional inspect and repair the roof, but go out side with a pair of binoculars and check your roof for regular wear and tear.
3. Clear gutters of leaves, sticks, and other debris. If the gutters can accommodate them, leaf guards can be real time-savers and prevent clogging. Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house and this will save you in the spring when everything is thawing.
4. In cold-weather climates, drain garden hoses and store indoors to protect them from the harsh winter elements. Shut off outdoor faucets and make sure exterior pipes are drained of water.
5. Have the furnace inspected to ensure that it’s safe and in good working order. Most utility companies will provide basic, no-cost furnace inspections to their customers. Also, a wood-burning fireplace can be a real pleasure on a chilly fall evening. For safety, have the firebox and chimney inspected and cleaned before use this season.
Are you buying or selling your home this fall? Talk to Irene (613-858-1151) about how she is making sure you and your family are protecred while buying or selling a home during these difficult times. Real Estate Is All About You is our moto.