Main Content

End-of-Summer Maintenance to Prepare Your Home for Winter

With the end of summer fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter. Many home maintenance tasks are best completed during warm, dry weather, so it’s important to take advantage of it while it lasts. Here are some things you should make sure to check off your list before the weather turns.

Fix Your Roof

If your roof has any damage, it’s important to repair it before winter sets in. According to Roofing Calculator, having a roof that is in good repair and properly insulated is an important part of preventing ice dams. Ice dams occur when ice forms at the edge of your roof, creating a dam that backs up snow and water. Over time, this weakens your roof, causing leaks and water damage to the interior of your home. They can also facilitate mold growth on your roof, further destroying it. This can result in expensive repairs down the road, so it’s best to prevent them from happening altogether.

Clear Your Gutters

Gutters have a tendency to get clogged over time as dirt, leaves, sticks, and other debris fall in. This can result in structural damage to your home, thanks to water flowing over the edges and down the sides of your house. If water is allowed to sit in your gutters it will eventually weaken them and cause them to leak. If your gutters leak or start to rust, you’ll need to repair them in order to ensure their proper function. According to Dunn Lumber, the need to perform that sort of repair can be decreased by regularly cleaning your gutters. It may sound like a hassle, but you don’t need to do it very frequently for the benefits. Two to three times a year should be plenty.

Sprinkler Winterization

Winterizing your sprinkler system is how you prevent it from being damaged by freezing winter conditions. When you are done using your sprinklers for the year, it’s time to winterize. According to The Sprinkler Guy, you should purge the water from your systems before the fall freeze to avoid expensive repairs later on. Any water left in your system will freeze as temperatures fall. The expanding that happens as water freezes puts excessive pressure on your system. At best, this will weaken it. At worst, you’re looking at a broken system that needs a serious overhaul.

HVAC Tune Up

When the cold sets in, you want to be able to rely on your heater to keep you warm. That means getting your HVAC tuned up. Most manufacturers recommend a yearly tune up to keep your system working properly and to prevent more expensive repairs from being needed. The tune up itself is something best left to professionals who know what they’re doing. According to Landmark Home Warranty, if you want to do something yourself to help your HVAC system, replace the furnace filter. The general recommendation for frequency is to replace your filter every three months.

Clean the Carpets

Speaking of filters, your carpets are actually the largest filter in your house. They trap dust, dead skin cells, dandruff, dirt, and all sorts of other debris. You don’t want to be breathing all of that in, especially considering how much more time you’ll likely be spending indoors during the winter. Regular vacuuming is important, and a great way to remove the surface dirt, but it doesn’t get the carpet really clean. To receive all the benefits of carpet cleaning, according to Home Pro Carpet Care, you’ll need to wash it well. You can buy or rent a carpet cleaner to do it yourself, or if you prefer, you can pay a professional to take care of it for you.

Prep Your Deck

If you have a deck, you need to prepare it for winter as well. Clear away dirt, dust, leaves, sticks, and other debris. Inspect your deck for any signs of wear or damage. You’ll need to get these fixed before the weather turns cold and wet to keep it in good repair and to maintain the structural integrity. Remember to seal and finish your deck to protect it from water. Don’t neglect your outdoor furniture either. You’ll need to take steps to protect it as well as your deck.

Winter is coming, as it always does. You need to get your home prepared for winter now, since a lot of maintenance tasks will be more difficult, if not impossible, to perform well once the weather becomes cold and wet. By taking action now, you’ll set your home up to weather the winter and to keep you warm, safe, and dry all season long.

If you’re looking for a new home to take care of, take a look at our properties!

Skip to content