
When cooler temperatures approach, it’s important to prepare your home for the winter months. Tackling these essential maintenance tasks in the fall can help prevent costly damage and ensure your home stays cozy and energy-efficient throughout the season.
Start by inspecting your roof for any signs of damage or wear, such as missing or cracked shingles, leaks, or moss growth. Address any issues promptly to prevent water infiltration and potential damage to your home’s interior. Don’t forget to also inspect and clean your chimney, especially if you use a fireplace or wood-burning stove, to reduce the risk of chimney fires.
Seal any gaps or cracks in your home’s exterior to keep cold air out and warm air in. Caulk around windows and doors, and use weatherstripping to seal gaps in window sashes and door frames. Additionally, insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing and potential burst pipes during extreme cold snaps.
Also inspect and insulate your attic to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams occur when heat escapes from your home and melts the snow on your roof, which then refreezes along the eaves, causing water to back up and potentially leak into your home.