The Farmers Almanac is predicting
a cold, wet winter in Central Oregon! By being proactive, you can prevent damage
from occurring, lower your energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan
of your home’s components, make your property safer and prepare for a beautiful
spring. If you have not already done so, plan to set aside a weekend to prepare
you home for the arrival of winter.
Home, Windows and Doors
·
Check (and repair if needed) the weather stripping around windows and door frames to prevent heat loss.
·
Replace all screens windows and doors with storm windows
and doors. Examine wooden window frames for any signs of rot or decay. Repair or
replace the framing if needed.
·
Check for drafts around both windows and doors. Caulk inside and out,
where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.
·
Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace to ensure maximum
efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
·
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are in
working order.
·
Remove air conditioners from windows or cover them with
insulated liners, to prevent any drafts leaks.
·
Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces in the home and use a sealant to plug up leaks.
Lawn, Garden, and Deck
·
Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires in order to prevent iced-over branches from causing property damage or a power problem.
·
Shut off all outdoor faucets. Be sure to open the outdoor valve
to allow any water to drain.
·
Spread low nitrogen fertilizer on your lawn and insulate the
roots of your vulnerable plants with bark dust or mulch.
·
Ensure that rain and snow drain away from the house to avoid
foundation problems.
·
Cover patio furniture with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed
or garage to protect it from the weather elements.
·
Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter to
prevent cracks, preserve their shapes, and prolong their life.
·
Clean leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards of
wooden decks to prevent mildew and mold growth.
·
Bring seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of
lightweight oil for rust prevention.
·
If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to blow out the lines to
prevent freezing and pipe damage.
·
Make sure you have an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand
for steps, walkways, and the driveway.
Gutters, Roof, and Drains
·
Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as
necessary
·
Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and
re-secure if loose or sagging.
·
Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away
from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding and water damage from
snow melt.
·
Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.
Hire a Home Watch Inspector
If you will be away
from your home during the winter months, you may want to hire a home watch
professional to check on your home while you are away. Life Tree Personal
Service and Home Watch LLC can check on your home while you are away and
provide you with a detailed report and photos. This service provides peace of
mind and can inform you of issues that need to be addressed before costly
repairs are needed.
