Home Winter Maintenance
Winter in the Northeast can be brutal. Despite the best forecasts, there’s always a surprise waiting somewhere in the season. Being adequately prepared for any winter weather is one way to keep the season enjoyable. From ice damaging gutters to poor insulation zapping heat from your home, here’s a list of critical inspection elements and some simple tips for staying warmer all season long.
- Pay attention to the gutters. Clogged gutters can wreak havoc on your home’s structure during winter if they aren’t properly addressed. Make sure they’re inspected and cleaned before the first snowfall. Snow buildup in gutter systems from the roof can melt because of their proximity to the heat in your home; if the melted snow gets into the attic, the continual melt and refreeze cycle can cause serious damage. Gutters can cause even more damage if the system breaks under the pressure. Call Top Quality Contractors for a 17-point roof inspection that includes the gutter system, insulation, and roof.
- Double check the insulation. Weather stripping that might have held last winter may be compromised this season. Walk through your home and replace any caulk or strip-insulation around doors to make sure your home has the best seal against winter weather.
- Winterize your pipes. Prepare anything that water runs through for the winter season by adding Styrofoam insulation around exposed piping and put a sticky note on your calendar to remind you to let the faucets drip and open cabinets during deep freezes to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
- Have the chimney cleaned. If you plan to use a fireplace or woodstove this winter, make sure the chimney has been inspected and cleared to reduce the risk of starting a fire.
- Have your furnace serviced. Change the filters, inspect ductwork for signs of mold and allergen buildup, and check components for rust or other signs of decay.
Getting an early start on winter maintenance tasks will help you have peace of mind when the really cold weather hits. Keep plenty of blankets and alternative heat sources on hand for the coldest days. Stock up on firewood, and remember our team at Top Quality Contractors for all your roofing, siding, gutter, window, and door needs. Reach out to us for more information about getting ready for winter.