Fall is the time to prepare for winter

Although the nights are still long and the days are warm, fall is just around the corner. Autumn can be one of the busiest seasons for homeowners preparing for winter, and it’s also the best time to take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the first frost sets in. Here is a checklist of home maintenance tips that will help you prepare for the cooler months ahead.

Have the furnace and chimneys cleaned 

At the beginning of winter, hire an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) contractor to make sure your furnace or boiler is operating safely and efficiently.  Professional heating contractors tend to get very busy after the first frost. To keep the appliance running well, inspect the filter monthly (it slides in), and replace it when it turns brown or black. Stick with a pleated version, which has more particle-trapping surface area than a flat filter.  If you use a wood-burning fireplace more than six times a year, make sure to have it professionally cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep annually. Built-up creosote and soot can ignite and cause a chimney fire that will cause damage or a house fire. Check the chimney flashing and replace if necessary.

Make sure your pipes are insulated

Any exposed pipe that runs along a wall or is in an unheated area (a basement or a crawl space, for example) is a potential hazard. The water inside can freeze and cause the pipe to burst when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so protect them with pipe insulation. Cut the insulation to fit the length of the pipe, wrap it around then secure it with duct tape if needed. Also check for water in outdoor pipes which, if it becomes frozen, will cause pipes to burst as the ice expands. Disconnect all garden hoses and drain the water that remains in outside faucets.

Check windows and doors for drafts

Caulk around the areas where masonry meets siding, where pipes or wires enter the house and around the window and door frames to prevent heat from escaping.  Another way to seal drafty windows and doors is to use weather stripping (around the frame) or window-film kits (over the glass; both available at hardware stores). For baseboards, clean and dry the area with a paper towel. Then, using white or clear paintable caulking, fill in gaps between the trim and the floor with an even bead and remove the excess with a damp cloth.  Install storm windows and doors and remove screens. Check windows for cracked panes missing or cracked glazing or loose frames. Before storing, clean and repair screens, spray with a protective coating and place in a dry area in the basement or garage.  Check for gaps between siding and window or door frames; if they are bigger than the width of a nickel, you need to reapply exterior caulk. Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it won’t shrink and it’s impervious to the elements.  Also check to see if the seal between your garage door and the ground is tight to prevent drafts and help keep out small animals like mice.

Inspect your roof

Check all of the roof areas on your property—including outbuildings—closely with binoculars. Look for damaged, curling or missing shingles that may cause water damage during winter’s storms and from melting snow. (If the roof needs fixing it is a good idea to hire a professional roofer or handyman, one that carries insurance, to make the repairs, avoiding the do-it-yourself route.) While checking the roof, inspect for tree branches, especially branches growing over the house, garage or power lines. Tree branches could come down and cause major damage during a storm. If your home had lots of icicles last winter—or worse, ice dams that can cause meltwater to back up and flow into your house—call a home-energy auditor or contractor to check for air leaks, inadequate insulation or both.

Clean the gutters

Clogged gutters can freeze into a big, icy mass and get under shingles causing damage to the roof. While the weather is still warm, get a tall ladder and work gloves and scoop out the debris so water can drain. Alternatively, call in a handyperson—the service typically should take about two hours depending on the size of your house. Replace cracked or damaged gutters with gutters designed with leaf guards. This will save you time and energy in the long run.

Check your driveway, porch and decks

Inspect your driveway for cracks and sink holes. Clean out and repair any damage with driveway filler, then coat with a commercial sealer. Also be sure to check the supports, stairs and railings on porches and decks. Make sure the handrails can support someone slipping on snow or ice. Repair cracks and damage on surfaces or steps.

Be prepared for snow and ice 

Don’t wait for the first snow storm to get your snow removal equipment in order. Now is the time to make sure everything is in working order. You’ll probably want to change the motor oil, spark plug and air filter before firing it up. Once that basic maintenance is out of the way, turn it on to make sure it  runs smoothly. Check the manual regarding any trouble shooting tips.

Place snow shovels at the front door, the back door and the beginning of the  driveway

Don’t wait for the first winter storm to restock on essentials like salt or ice melt. Last winter was very icy and many local retailers ran out of ice melt. Don’t be caught short this year—stock up. Keep a lidded container of salt or ice melt next to each shovel and keep a small bag in your car.

Frozen locks are no fun anytime, but especially in freezing weather. Spray a little powdered-graphite lubricant into each door lock (where the key goes), to prevent locks from freezing. The powder (sold at hardware stores) lubricates the pins inside the lock and will prevent sticking and freezing.

Don’t rake the leaves

Most homeowners are convinced that fallen leaves have to be raked and collected into paper or plastic bags and discarded. Actually, raking leaves is not beneficial to lawns and gardens. Research has shown that leaves provide a free source of organic fertilizer and improve soil texture by helping the ground to absorb more water and air leading to healthy plant growth. Plants and lawns benefit from the protective layer nutrient-rich fallen leaves provide, sealing in moisture while insulating from harsh winter temperatures. The trick is to mow your leaves while dry instead of raking them.