The cold weather is here for the season. This list is to help you prepare your home or investment property to maintain it during the colder months.
Roofing: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks.
Attics: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house.
Exterior Plumbing: Drain outside faucets to prevent bursting in freezing temperatures
Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure damper closes tightly.
Filters: Remember to clean or replace HVAC filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, range hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
Taps: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you add up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
Siding and Painting: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or peeling paint.
Heating System: Have heating system serviced now to eliminate costly breakdown in the winter.
Landscaping: Prune trees and remove dead branches.
Maintain the value of your home or investment property by keeping costs low with preventive maintenance for the Winter.
This article is for general informational purposes only and must not be taken as legal, financial or any other professional advice. We recommend obtaining advice specific to your situation before making decisions relating to your investment property and financial position.
