Winter will be here before you know it! Is your custom home ready?
The start of the fall season is a reminder to homeowners everywhere that the winter will be here before we know it. In preparation for the coming months, it’s a great time to start thinking about a few tasks to complete now so that your home is ready for the cold weather. These chores will help prevent surprises during the season and keep your home in top shape. Here are a few things you should do very soon to get your home’s exterior ready for winter.
Winterize Your Outdoor Irrigation System
Freezing weather can seriously affect your outdoor faucets and irrigation system and cause damage to your plumbing. Turn off all water supply lines to prevent the pipes from freezing. If your system doesn’t feature drain valves, hire a professional to winterize them. Be sure to drain your garden hoses and store them in your garage or shed, too.
Seal Air Leaks
Examine your home’s exterior for any cracks in the trim, siding, and window/door frames. Air leaks will waste energy, and drive up your utility costs. Caulk and seal up any leaks you may find. It’s best to complete this task on a day when the temperature hovers above 50 degrees, so the caulk flows more easily!
Perform an HVAC Inspection/Tune-Up
Fall is a great time to have your HVAC unit inspected and maintained before the freezing cold sets in. Change your air and furnace filters (you should be changing these filters at least once every other month) and replace the filter in the system’s built-in humidifier, if you have one. This will help ensure that your heating system is ready to efficiently withstand the rigors of winter.
Clean Your Gutters
A free-flowing gutter system prevents the formation of ice dams which can cause serious damage to your roofing and necessitate expensive repairs. Once the leaves have fallen for the season, take the time to clean out your gutters of any leaves, tree twigs, and other debris. Keep a close eye out for any signs of roofing damage, such as colored grit in your gutters. If you notice this, you may need to have some shingles replaced.
Design and Build Your Dream Home with Columbia Builders!
Columbia Builders is the home builder of choice in Howard County, offering homes in Ellicott City, Elkridge, Laurel, Columbia, Marriottsville, Fulton, Clarksville, Dayton, and Brookeville. No matter what the size and scope of your project, we have the skills, experience, and resources needed to bring your vision to life. We offer a level of customization that is truly unmatched and are committed to using materials and craftsmen of the highest quality, so you can trust that your new home is built to last.
If you’re ready to invest in a home that is built with your needs in mind, trust in us. Give Columbia Builders a call today at 410-730-0215 or use our contact form here. You can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Houzz, and Youtube, and don’t forget to check back on our blog for more tips and information!