Top Four “To Do” List to Winterize your Home

It’s that time of year again. The temperature and leaves are dropping which means the rain and snow is coming. Here’s a “Top Four” exterior home maintenance “to do” list to avoid nasty and expensive surprises during the winter.

1. Outdoor Faucets and Hoses

In cold climates, close the inside valve to each outdoor faucet. Be sure to turn the outdoor faucet handle slightly to release remaining water from the pipes.

2. Gutter Cleaning and Roof Clearing

Gutter cleaning is essential to home maintenance, especially once the leaves have fallen. Without thorough and regular gutter cleaning, rain water will not flow properly which causes the gutters to break, overflow, stain and flood. While messy and time consuming, gutter cleaning is relatively simple. A ladder, bucket and scope will do the trick!

Prior to cleaning your gutters, be sure to clear your roof. Sweep or blow loose debris from your roof into the gutters using a leaf blower. Skipping this step will lead to more work/gutter cleans down the road.

3. Doorways and Windows

Inspect your windows and doors to get an idea of any repairs needed. Look for any caulk that has been pulled away from the surface. Remove the old caulk completely, clean the surface area that has been exposed and re-caulk the area. Replacing deteriorated caulk helps save energy and minimize unpleasant drafts.

4. Power Washing

Mildew, algae and dirt builds up on your home’s exterior surfaces throughout the fall. When the heavy rains hit, those surfaces, if left as is, become slippery and dangerous. Power washing decks, patios and driveways is the only way to properly remove the grime. A weekend with a power washer ensures that your exterior surfaces are clean, safe and ready for the occasional winter BBQ.