READY OR NOT…. HERE IT COMES! – Homeowner Rx
It seemed like the beautiful weather of late summer/early fall was going to stay with us forever. But as usual, here comes the cool weather, and with that is that danged ‘ole list of things that you have to do to your home to get ready for Old Man Winter.
Gutters – Last week, on one of those warm days, I decided to check out my gutters for leaves. Boy was I glad I did, what a mess! The last thing you want is for snow and ice to build up in your gutters, work its way up under your shingles, and cause leaks inside. And be careful on the ladder! Make sure you have one tall enough and sturdy enough to keep you up there where you belong. Ever hear of a roof deicer? It’s something that looks like an extension cord that gets warm and you can fasten it to your roof or put in your gutters and downspouts to keep them from freezing. Definitely something to check out.
Decks & Porches – Not only do I make sure I get as much of the leaves and debris cleaned off my decks and porches, but I also take care of my outdoor furniture. I have a few real nice ones that I tuck away in the garage, but what I do leave outside I make sure I cover up or at least move under the roof overhang. And now is a great time to put down some granular or liquid insecticide around your foundation to keep the bugs where they belong. Outside!
Doors & Windows – On one of the first cold windy days, close all your windows and doors and see if you can feel any cold draft blowing into your home. Your local hardware store will have the right kind of weatherstrip, caulk, window film and even insulation for your outside wall outlets and switches to help keep the cold outside. It can be a little bit of work, but lower heating bills and warmer feet are worth it.
Fireplace – Before you start burning wood, check the chimney! Make sure your flue is working properly, there is no debris or buildup inside the chimney, and look for cracks in the firebox. Some of this cleanup and repair can be a little tricky, so if you have any doubt at all, there is nothing wrong with bringing in the professionals. Don’t take any chances with this winter prep item.
Furnace Filter – Every furnace I have ever had has said to change your filter every season. And I think a clean filter leading into the heating season is one of the most important. There are $2 filters, $30 filters and everything in between. Check your manual, check with the company that services your furnace. Make sure you get the right filter for your furnace.
Garden Hose – Don’t leave it attached to your outdoor faucet! Leaving it attached may cause water to siphon past the freezeless outdoor faucet and cause damage when it freezes. Every spring we have numerous customers come in with water leaks inside the house when they turn on their outdoor faucet. It’s frequently caused by not removing your hose the previous fall.
Snow blower – Need a tune-up? Don’t wait for the first bad forecast to think about getting a little service work done. Bring it in now and your machine will be ready for when the snow flies. And don’t forget to check your snow shovel!
Windshield Snow Scraper – Dig ‘em out of the corner of your garage and get them in your cars. There’s nothing worse than coming out and discovering the first snow or frost of winter covering your car and nothing handy to clear it with.
Like the Boy Scouts say – Be Prepared!
Dave Umber
Owner-Umber’s Do It Best Hardware
Waynedale & Georgetown North
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