- Check your roof, gutters and downspouts. Please use extreme caution if attempting this yourself. If you do not know how to safely use a ladder or climb/walk on a roof surface, please call a professional for this. You want to check the overall condition of the shingles. Signs of blistering, cracking, or buckling, have them replaced before the bad weather sets in. Also check the flashing around chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights, etc. A little caulk will prevent water intrusion from the upcoming snow and ice. Check out my video Roof Leaks from my website in the video section. Clean any debris from your gutters. Make sure that the downspouts are intact and that there is proper drainage from the roof runoff.
- Winterize the outside faucets. Turn off the water supply to your exterior hose bibs. Some frost free hose bibs may not have shut off valves. Drain and coil up all of your garden hoses and store them accordingly.
- Lawn care. Keep lawn and grass areas free from leaves and other debris. If you have a sprinkler system, call a sprinkler company and have the sprinkler system winterized. This is also a great time to aerate and fertilize the lawn. For more info on this see our article Early Spring Lawn Care Tips. Also check any walkways and make necessary repairs to prevent any slip/fall hazards that the snow and ice may cause.
- Outdoor equipment. Once you know you will be done with grass cutting, leaf blowing, etc. service your equipment for winter storage. Drain the gas and oil and replace with new fluids. I highly recommend using a gas treatment (Marvel Mystery Oil is my choice). Replace spark plugs and air filters. Run the equipment for at least 15 minutes. For more detailed information see our article Mower Maintenance and Mower Guide. Now you’re ready for the spring. If you have a snow blower, now is the time to get it up and running before the snow comes. If you didn’t use the above mentioned procedures, do them now.
- Fireplaces. For any wood burning fireplaces, hire a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clean the flue. Make sure that the damper is properly working. This will help prevent accidental fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. For gas fireplaces, light the pilot light. If the pilot light does not stay on, call a professional fireplace contractor.
- Check your attic. Carefully inspect the attic area for any roof leaks that you may not have detected yet. Check your insulation for missing or compressed insulation. If you suspect that the insulation is not sufficient now is the time to call an insulation contractor.
- Windows and doors. With the cooler temperatures here, this is a great time to check for drafts. Open your windows and doors and look for missing and cracked caulking. In the evening stay near your doors and windows and feel for drafts. A little bit of caulk and weather-stripping will go a long way to reducing your heating bill this winter.
- HVAC equipment. For forced air systems replace your air filter. If you have a boiler system, lubricate the pumps. If your HVAC system is more than 10 years old, consider getting a service contract. Not only will you have peace of mind, your HVAC system will get inspected and needed repairs made before a break down.
Thank you.
John Harashinski
On The Level Home Inspections
609-607-0485
