Fall is just around the corner; kids are going back to school, the holidays will be here before you know it and you find yourself making all those to-do lists just to stay ahead. While this can be one of the busiest seasons, it’s also one of the best times to prepare for the return of cooler weather, so go ahead and add home maintenance to that to-do list! If you find that there are not enough hours in the day, Oak Grove Construction can help you tackle it.
OUTDOOR CHECKLIST:
1. Check your foundation for cracks. Caulk around the areas where pipes or wires enter the house, around all your windows and door frames and along the areas where siding meets masonry. This will prevent heat from escaping.
2. Make sure the roof is in good shape. Inspect for any missing or loose shingles. Ice, rain and snow along with changing temperatures can wreak havoc on roofs.
3. Clean out your gutters and downspouts. Replace any that are worn or damaged. Remove leaves, twigs and gunk. Clogged rain gutters can cause ice dams which can lead to expensive repairs.
4. Winterize faucets and hoses. Drain your garden hoses and store them inside. Shut off all outdoor water valves when weather turns cold. Any water that is left in exterior pipes and faucets can freeze and expand, breaking the pipes.
INDOOR CHECKLIST:
1. Have your heating system checked by a qualified technician. Change your furnace filters too. This should be done every two months but if you haven’t, now’s the time.
2. Get your woodstove and fireplace in working order.
3. Change the direction of your ceiling fans. This creates an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling.
4. Check for holes in your attic. It’s best to check during daylight or when it’s raining. Look for streams of light or water entering the attic through the roof or sheathing. Another sign of holes is black staining on insulation.
5. Check the insulation in your attic. Make sure you have enough. The easiest way to figure that out, is if you can see the tops of the joists, you need more.