Winters have been bringing more severe weather in recent years. Many meteorologists expect such weather conditions to become more extreme, especially in late winters, because of climate change.
Given this scenario, it is logical to be proactive and undertake protective measures for your house in autumn. During the fall, it’s also smart to check your home Insurance to see to it that your residence has adequate coverage.
Additionally, taking these steps will give you peace of mind and a cozy home in winter. The value of your home can get a boost as well if it’s adequately insured and ready for winter weather.
Be sure to be prepared for any potential winter problem in your residence. Focus your autumn maintenance efforts on the five main areas listed below and the tips for each of them.
Exterior maintenance
- Clean downspouts and gutters. Remove leaves and debris in all drainage areas. Make the job much easier by installing gutter guards.
- Autumn temperature is suitable for a paint retouch. Repaint the exterior to prolong the life of the trim and siding of your house.
- Inspect your home’s roof for repairs. Replace shingles that are buckling, curling, or crackling. Replace them if there is already a lot of damage. Check for leaks or gaps in the flashing around chimneys, pipes, and skylights.
- Wrap your water pipes with heating tape This prevents them from freezing and bursting and also helps save energy.
Safety checks
- Check if smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are operational and properly installed.
- As per the manufacturer’s instructions, the installation of carbon monoxide detectors should be near each possible source of the poisonous gas and within earshot of sleeping and living areas.
- Replace the batteries of these alarms and detectors with fresh ones so that these life-savers remain functional during winter.
- Inspect and clean a wood-burning fireplace if you have one. Have it repaired if necessary to prevent fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
System fixes
- Hire a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your home’s furnace or gas heater to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. See to it that the filters in your heating system or furnace are clean. If you have a hot water heating system, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed the radiators.
- Inspect the insulation in your attic to ensure that it is installed properly. Insulate the attic floor between the joists with small pieces of insulation. Cut slits on the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape and prevent water leakage.
Landscaping maintenance
- Work on your yard in autumn to ensure that it is healthy come spring. Rake the leaves on your yard to aerate your lawn and garden beds. The raked leaves can be composted and later used as mulch.
- Fertilize your greenery so that it has enough nourishment during the winter.
- Moving or dividing your garden’s perennials is perfect in the fall. Mulch these hardy greeneries and remove annuals which will typically die with temperatures dropping below freezing in winter.
- To prevent branches from falling and causing damage during a winter storm, trim dead branches from surrounding trees.
- Clean your garden tools before storing them for the winter.
Pest control
- Install a screen behind the gable vents that lead to your attic to prevent insects from entering your home through the attic, an ideal winter nesting place.
- Inspect the underside of appliances and in your kitchen cupboards for any pests that might have gotten inside.
These tips may seem a lot, but consider them as necessary preventive maintenance to preserve the quality of living in your home. Just like a home insurance policy, these steps can protect you from serious and costly problems later.
About Blue Sky Insurance Agency
For over 20 years, family owned Blue Sky Insurance Agency has proudly specialized in insurance and tax services for Virginia residents. Our philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can insure it.” We strive to provide value to our clients by establishing and building relationships and focusing on more than just rates. We are dedicated to providing holistic and strategically tailored solutions to protect all of your assets, and to provide peace of mind wherever life takes you. To get in touch with us, fill out a complimentary quote form, or call us at one of our two locations.