Now that winter is only a few months away, it is high time to look at your home to see if there is necessary maintenance to be done. Heavy snowfall and other abrupt changes in the weather can cause deterioration and damages that could cost you money. Prevent any inconveniences by performing the following tasks in preparation for the winter season.

Inspect the Heating and Cooling Systems of Your Home

It would be best if you inspected both of your heating and cooling systems before the winter arrives. These utilities' average lifespan can last 12 to 15 years, and some are up for replacement in just 10 years. If you neglect regular maintenance, they may only last a few years.

It is also best to make sure that you change your air filters regularly. You may hire a reputable HVAC service contractor to perform a thorough check-up for any repairs or replacements. Your contractor should be able to determine any problems, mostly if they perform in moderate temperatures.

Look for Paint, Caulking, and Exterior Wood Defects

Exterior wood trimmings need proper protection from harsh elements like the winter season. Most modern houses use rot-resistant or pressure-treated wood types, but there are plenty of old houses that still use wood trims. Often, these are only one inch in thickness pine board, which wears out quickly if it lacks treatment. You will notice some houses have rotting exterior doors and window bays because of the type of wood installed.

You should go around your house and look for cracks on caulks or chipping of paint, which are all signs of wood rotting. Scrape the old paint and caulks for a proper replacement. If you need to replace your windows, invest in a good one by having reliable window specialists like Van Isle Glass to create energy efficient windows for your home.

Check Masonry and Hard Surface Sealants

It would be beneficial to check all your masonry or any hard surfaces for any cracks or wear signs. Inspect your driveways, walkways, and concrete patio for any movement signs that will require a new application of sealants. It is ideal to do your inspection before the winter season to perform proper curing of the adhesives. Mending the cracks on your surfaces will prevent water from getting in and freezing during winter.

If your driveway has an asphalt layer, consider replacing it if there are signs of cracks and deterioration. You can hire a contractor to apply a spray of sealer, or you may opt to roll a bucket of sealer yourself, which you can buy anywhere. Remember to patch first the cracks before sealing.

Observe Your Drainage

The drainage system in your house plays a significant role in protecting from harmful elements. It would help if you looked for areas where water might gather and create a pool that can damage your foundation. Ensure that the soil surrounding your house is compacted correctly, and there are no more areas that would need filling in with soil.

You may also want to check your roof gutters for any defects. Performing repairs or replacements should be a good idea during the fall. The idea here is your gutters should be clean enough to drain the water that can come from heavy rains or snow falls. Again, you may hire a contractor to do the job.

Clean Up

Now that you are all set to take on the winter season, be ready for cleaning up the snow. Ensure that you have all your tools to perform all maintenance works for your house, so you won’t have to worry about the winter season.