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A must have if
hiring a contractor!
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Tips for Winterizing your Home
Clean Chimneys, Furnaces and Gutters, Caulk
Windows, and more
By Mark J. Donovan
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With the kids now back in school and
fall just about upon us, it is now a great time of the year to winterize your
home for the coming winter months.
Check the Roof
It is important that you go up on
your roof (or a professional) and inspect it for loose roof shingles and ridge
vents. If you find loose shingles and/or ridge vents, it is important to replace
them to prevent any water damage or ice damage. Also, if your ridge vent
requires additional roofing nails, make sure you cover them with roofing tar to
prevent any water leaks.
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Check the Windows
It is important that the cracks
around the windows are sealed with a good flexible caulk. Make sure the caulk
around your home’s windows and doors is still forming a tight seal. If the caulk
is old and brittle, and separating between the siding and windows and doors,
then remove it and replace it with a fresh exterior grade caulk. Un-caulked
doors and windows are one of the main culprits for air infiltration.
Also, if you have storm windows that
need to be installed, this is a perfect time of the year to install them.
Clean Chimney
Flues
Have a chimney sweep clean your
home’s chimney flues. Creosol can build up in the chimney flues, due to burning
wood, leaving your home susceptible to chimney fires. Also, make sure the
chimney sweep checks for cracks in the chimney flues. Again, chimney flue cracks
can also cause chimney fires.
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Clean Home
Furnaces
Make sure you have your home’s
furnace system cleaned and checked by a professional. The furnace professional
should replace all necessary filters and adjust the burners to maximize your
furnace’s energy efficiency. He should also check for any leaks around the
furnace duct work that could potentially lead to fire or carbon monoxide
dangers.
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Clean up around
the Lawn
Drain all lawn hoses and store them
inside the home. Hoses left outside could be damaged during the winter months
due to water in them freezing.
Also, store any outside lawn
furniture in the home.
Wrap Water Heater
in Insulation
Wrapping your water heater in
insulation can save you some significant money.
Clean Gutters
Make sure your home’s gutters are
clean and free from leaves and other debris. If left with leaves and debris, the
gutters will back up with snow and ice, which can lead to the gutters tearing
away from the home.
Find a Pre-Screened Contractor in Your Area
Remove Portable
Air Conditioners from Windows
With the heat of the summer behind
us, it is also good idea to remove portable air conditioner systems from the
Windows.
With these items addressed, your home
should be ready for the winter ahead.
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