“Winter is Coming” and what better way to enjoy the changing season than to show some love to your home. We’ve combined our experience and the advice of our specialists and professionals into a list of inspiration for you and your hard-working family. Enjoy!
Weatherproofing
Harness the heat by sealing cracks and spaces along baseboards, junctures, windows, doors, fixtures, switches and outlets. Your winter heating bill will thank you!
Leaves
Clean gutters and downspouts and install leaf guards to keep falling leaves and debris out. Dead leaves can kill your lawn. Take care sweeping or washing asphalt shingles – it can remove the protective aggregates and damage your roof. Call a professional.
Trees and Plant Life
Trim tree limbs that are dangerously close to power lines or the roof of your home so that falling snow and ice doesn’t cause damage. Look for areas where gardens or dirt have been built up high on the foundation within 6-8” of the siding – this can cause moisture damage to the siding and lead to insect infiltration.
Water
Be sure water isn’t coming down behind gutters. It not only causes rot starting at the fascia boards but the splash-back can damage siding as well. Ensure pipes are well insulated to prevent freezing and bursting and know how to locate and turn off the water shut-off valve in case pipes do freeze.
Pest Control
Replace damaged roof tiles and attic vents, seal up holes around pipes and cables – mice can get through a hole the size of a quarter. Most rats and pests enter the home through branches and ivy/plants that touch the house, especially at the eaves.
Fire Alarms
It’s that time again! Don’t forget to check the expiry date, test and replace the batteries in your smoke alarm and hold a fire drill with your family. More details, from our Safety First post here.
Heating System
Stay warm and save money by ensuring your forced-air system is running safely and efficiently. Clean ducts and grilles, replace filters, and give the system a test run before colder days are upon us. Heating repairmen get slammed on the first cold days of the year when everyone turns their heat on to discover something has failed over the summer. Beat the rush!
Chimneys & Stoves
Make sure chimneys and wood stoves are cleaned and ready for their time to shine. “Never was there a more happier crew, than them what sings Chim Chim Chiree Chim Chiroo! Chim Chim Chiminy Chim Chim Chiree Chim Chiroo…” – Bert