The holiday season is upon us, which means that winter is just about here! And as a homeowner, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure your home is prepared to survive the harsh Pennsylvania winter weather. This will protect your home against many easily-avoidable damages, and ultimately protect your wallet. Have you checked off these winter-prep essentials?
Exterior Winter Home Checklist:
Clean Out Your Gutters
Cleaning out your gutters of leaves and other buildup helps to prevent water and ice backups that could damage your roof or piping. You might also want to add gutter extensions to ensure that they drain at least 3-4 feet away from the foundation of your home. And while you’re up there…
Check Your Roof
Get out on the roof and inspect it for missing or damaged shingles to ensure it’ll be sealed against any snowfall. If you have an older roof, you may want to have it inspected to ensure it will hold up against heavy snowfalls.
Turn Off Exterior Water
Prevent your exterior pipes from freezing or bursting by turning off any outside water valves and completely draining pipes and hoses. If you have a lawn irrigation system, make sure to drain it, as repairs to damaged pipes can be especially costly.
Trim Overgrown Branches
Protect your home and electrical wires by trimming back any overhanging trees or branches. This can prevent iced branches from falling on crucial wiring or structures.
Interior Winter Home Checklist:
Caulk Your Windows & Doors
Carefully inspect your windows and doors for drafts or sizeable gaps in the frame. Caulk up any holes, and replace damaged or weakened weatherstripping. You might want to have older window or door frames replaced, as they can be less airtight, and new windows and doors can be much more energy efficient.
Clean Out the Fireplace
Prevent excessive smoke or even fire by ensuring your chimney is cleaned out. Check for cold drafts coming through the chimney when the flue is closed, as this can decrease the overall temperature in your home. In the case of drafts, you might consider installing a chimney balloon.
Inspect Your Heating System
Staying warm in winter is important, both for your health and safety, and for your wallet. Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace, and hire a technician to make your system is in good working order. This will ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible and air quality is good.
Your Winterized Home Will Look Great to Buyers
If you’re thinking of selling your home this winter, then an important first step is ensuring that your home is winterized. Not only will it look better from the outside, but buyers will enjoy the sense of security that comes with knowing a home has been properly cared for in even the harshest seasons.
Are you thinking of selling your Erie County home this winter? Then it’s time to contact Marsha Marsh Real Estate Services! We can give you even more tips about preparing your home and provide a wealth of additional resources to help make the transition smooth.