With winter on its way, it’s a good time to check the health of your home. You don’t want to find out that you have a leaky roof or frozen pipes when there’s snow on the ground and you can’t easily access them. That could be a potentially dangerous situation. Reduce the risk of your home being uninhabitable for an extended period after a serious storm.
It is also an excellent time to check for any minor repairs around the house that will soon be inaccessible – including those hidden from view in crawl spaces and attics. When all the leaves are off trees, it’s easy to spot holes in roofs or rotting wood where water can get into the house and cause expensive problems later. You should make these five home repairs before it gets cold and snowy outside.
Check Your Roof
A roof repair or replacement can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of roof damage and the materials used in the roof. If the roof is at or beyond the service life, you may need to have a professional look at it, and if so, it should get replaced. Also, check for any loose shingles, missing nails, or exposed areas where a branch could have damaged the roof.
Please look at the gutters and downspouts and ensure they’re clean and in good condition. If leaves have clogged your drains, they’ve also clogged the downspouts, and water will be running over the edge of your roof, which can lead to water damage. When the temperature dips below freezing, you should also be sure that there’s adequate ventilation for the roof to release heat. Otherwise, ice dams can form and cause water damage inside the house—contact Austin roofing experts if you live in Texas for quality inspection and repairs on your roof.
Make Repairs to Your Venting Systems
If you have a forced-air heating system, you likely have vents that are used to distribute warm air throughout the house. Make sure these are in good condition. Look for any corrosion on the metal parts, broken or missing screens on vents, and loose or broken mounting screws.
These vents must also get cleared of leaves and other debris during fall and winter. Otherwise, they could become clogged and prevent warm air from circulating throughout the house. You may need to have a professional come out and make repairs, or you can purchase the parts and make the repairs yourself.
Change Out the Furnace Filters and Lubricate the Rotors
Make sure you change the furnace filters and clean out the dust in your furnace. You may need to have a professional come out and clean the dust out, or you can do it yourself using a shop vac. You should also check the rotors on your furnace and lubricate them if they show signs of wear. If rotors are worn, they may need to get replaced.
Make Repairs to the Foundation and Sliding Doors
Make repairs to your home’s foundation, such as cracks that allow cold air to seep in. Repair any cracks or holes in the walls where cold air enters the house. Make repairs to the door seals on your sliding glass doors. If you live in a cold climate, you should also replace any broken or worn-out door locks.
Check the Condition of Your Windows and Doors
Make sure the windows and doors are in good condition. Check for rot or termite infestations if you have wooden windows or doors. If your windows or doors are made of vinyl, check for any peeling or cracks in the finish. Check if you have storm doors or windows to ensure they’re securely attached. If you have storm doors, check the rubber seal around the bottom of the door to make sure it’s in good condition.
Conclusion
Remember that these repairs will take time and, in some cases, money. But the longer you put them off. The more complex the repairs will be. The best way to stay warm and dry during the cold and snowy winter is to prevent water infiltration. To do that, you must clean your gutters, repair any holes in the roof, seal and insulate your doors and windows, and ensure your foundation is in good shape.