With much of the country having already experienced record low temperatures and snowfall since early November, this winter is promising to be especially cold and snowy. Getting both the interior and exterior of your home ready for the frigid winds, snow and ice is critical to keeping Old Man Winter out and ensuring it stays warm and toasty inside. Blackstone Management is here to help. We’ve compiled a list of winter maintenance tips to help you increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home, prevent damage and make your property safer.
Your Homes Exterior
Welled Exits and Egress Windows
Welled Exits and Egress Windows
Use sand to provide traction on snow and ice — de-icing agents can cause pitting and discoloration on concrete and asphalt. However DO NOT use sand on pervious concrete and asphalt, as it can clog the drainage system.
Roofs
Removing snow from your roof helps prevent ice damming. You may want to call a professional to do this for you.
Outside Faucets
Disconnect hoses from outside faucets during the winter months. If applicable to your area, we recommend turning off the interior valve leading to the outside faucets and draining the line completely.
In very cold climates, wrapping the faucet heads in a protective cover can provide additional defense against winter freezing.
Your Homes Interior
Attics, Crawl Spaces and Basements
As colder weather approaches, pests will seek opportunities to move indoors. Check for intrusions and seal areas (but not vents) where pests can enter your basement and attic.
In homes with crawl spaces, remember to check and close the vents. Extreme cold weather can freeze pipes within the crawl space.
Caulking
Caulking in showers and tubs, along the countertop backsplashes, on stair runners and around doors and windows deteriorates over time — especially when exposed to dry winter conditions. Check caulking in these areas and reapply as necessary.
HVAC (Heating)
As part of your HVAC’s routine maintenance, check and replace air filters as needed. Depending on when your home was constructed, it may be a one-month, six-month or one-year filter. Remember, you should not operate your system without an air filter.
If you will be away from your home for an extended time, be sure to set your thermostat at 55° F or above to prevent your pipes from freezing.
