With the ski season around the corner, we are all getting ready for those winter adventures. Whether you’re the skiing type, or more of an après only type, we have some house tips for you to make sure that your property stays nice and warm through the winter, and that you aren’t running into any repairs when it’s minus 20. While some of these tasks might not be your ideal use of time, you’ll be grateful later! Ensuring your home is prepared properly can save you a nice chunk of change.
Heat Things Up:
Everyone loves a cozy fire, especially when you’re unwinding after a long day. Make sure to have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional. Also, have a professional perform a routine check of the heating systems before the really cold weather arrives. This should include vacuuming the vents and other heating components. If your furnace has a filter, check to see if it needs replacing.
Seal Everything:
Avoid those cold drafts this winter. install storm windows and doors — and don’t overlook the basement. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points.
Repair Loose Roofing Shingles:
If you suspect your roof has loose, damaged, or missing shingles, have a licensed roofing contractor do an inspection and make repairs before you get those Christmas lights up!
Clean and Inspect Gutters:
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and then freeze once temperatures drop. Keep gutters clear and properly connected to ensure that melting snow runs off your roof and through downspouts.
Mark Garden Beds, Paths, and Driveways:
After a heavy snowfall, it can be tough to see where driveways, flower beds, or walkways end and your lawn begins. Use fiberglass snow poles or driveway markers every several feet to line the edges of these areas. That helps provide a clear path whether you’re blowing orshoveling snow yourself or you hire a professional plow driver.
We’ve hit a small window before the heavier snow is back, along with those colder temperatures, so better to get after all of this sooner than later!
-Fernie Real Estate Group
