(NC)-Colder weather, shorter days and falling leaves mean it's time to get your home ready for the winter months. Fall home maintenance involves more than raking leaves and storing garden furniture. It requires attention to your roof and gutters, your foundation, faucets and windows, and even your ceiling fans.
"Winter can be hard on a house, so we recommend a number of steps to prepare your home for the increased cold and moisture," said Colin Smyth, AmeriSpec of Canada. "There are things that most homeowners don't even think of that can make a huge difference."
The following are some tips from AmeriSpec to make sure you're ready for the winter months:
• Protect the outside faucets - For those who do not have freeze-proof faucets, it is important to shut off the indoor water valve and make sure the outside faucet is completely drained.
• Clean and reverse the ceiling fans - Turn the fan off, clean and oil the motor, clean and dry the blades and reverse the air flow direction to push warm air down.
• Replace batteries in the smoke detectors and test the smoke alarms - Batteries should be replaced twice a year and all smoke alarms should be tested weekly.
• Apply weather-stripping to windows and doors- Even insulated windows and doors require additional reinforcement for winter. Weather-stripping reduces drafts and saves on heating bills.
• Caulk around window and door casings to keep out air and water - If your house has wood siding with window frames that stand out from the siding, caulk the top and sides of the frame. Don't caulk under the sill - that space should be left open to allow moisture inside the wall to escape. If your house is brick or stone, with window frames that are set into the finish material, caulk all four edges of each frame - where the brick mould meets the masonry.
• Fix up your gutters - Ensure there are no leaves or other debris in your gutters in order to prevent overflow and leakage during heavy snow or rain.
AmeriSpec home inspectors offer great tips on home maintenance and improvements. More information on common home maintenance subjects and professional home inspections can be found at www.amerispec.ca.
Credit: www.newscanada.com