Though we have had a particulary mild autumn and early winter please consider doing the following as a regular part of your home maintenance.
Fall & Winter Preparation Check List
Thoroughly preparing your home for winter can eliminate many aggravations/problems before they become disasters. Hopefully, this ‘knowing where to look’ check list will help your ‘didn’t miss a thing’ prepare/repair list.
EXTERIOR
-Gutters and Downspouts
-Grading
Ensure a slope of one inch per foot for the first six feet away from the house. Fill foundation depressions. Eliminate soil/weed contact.
-Trees, Shrubs and Vines
Cut back planting one foot from house and overhanging trees.
-Roofs
Shingle roofs: Check for damaged, loose or missing shingles and flashing condition.
-Eaves
Soffits and fascia-check for loose and rotted areas and vermin damage.
-Chimneys
Check condition-rot, damage, cracking, separation, wear and seals.
-Doors and Windows
Check caulking and weather stripping, finishes, rot, broken or cracked panes of glass. Install storms. Clear window wells of debris.
-Porches and Decks
Check wood components for rot and insect infestation, wear and damage.
-Driveways and Sidewalks
Check driveways and sidewalks for level, cracks and deterioration.
-Exposed Foundation Walls
Check for deterioration and cracking.
-Retaining Walls and Fences
Check for deterioration and movement.
GARAGES
-Check garage roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles. Check structure for evidence of wear, rot, or insect infestation.
-Test automatic garage door openers/safety reverse for proper operation.
BASEMENT/CRAWL
-Foundation walls
Check for evidence of deterioration, movement, dampness/water penetration. Fill cracks/voids and monitor.
-Wood Framing
Check exposed wood structural components for evidence of rot and insect infestation, damage.
-Sump pump
Check operation, test back up system. Ensure covered.
-Shut off valves for exterior water spouts (for garden hoses), and leave exterior spout open to prevent possible freezing
ATTICS
-Check structure for damage and water stains, rot, mildew, and fungus indicating high moisture levels in the attic and need for better ventilation
-Ensure attic vents are not obstructed all bathrooms and kitchen fans are vented to the outside.
-Look for evidence of pests (mice, squirrels, raccoons,etc.)
ELECTRICAL
-Main Panel
Check main electrical panel surface for rust or water marks. Flip all breakers off and on to ensure none have seized. Tighten all fuses. Test ground fault interrupters.
-Outdoor wiring
Ensure main cable secure to building and not frayed or damaged and house entries sealed. Check exterior outlets and covers and test any ground fault circuits.
-Indoor wiring
Replace frayed or damaged wires, including extension cords, appliance cords and plugs, Tighten loose outlets and switches. Test ground fault circuit interrupter outlets.
HEATING/AC SYTEMS
-Air conditioning
Cover top (only) of condenser. Shot off at exterior. Switch over to winter setting.
-Heat Pump
Check operation. Ensure outside condenser is level, lines fully insulated, vegetation cut back, service annually.
-Furnace/Boilers
Arrange annual service for gas/oil fired units. Check and service forced hot ail filter and humidifier. Switch over to humidifier operation. Check forced hot water system for leaks/unusual noise, exhaust flue for loose connections or corrosion, heat sources in all rooms. Ensure carbon monoxide detector in place near unit and bedrooms and operational. Check oil tank and fuel lines for obvious leaks/rust/deterioration
-Electric Heat
Check thermostats and vacuum baseboard radiators
-Water Heater
Draw sediment from tank. Service gas/oil units. Check water temperature-should be 120 degrees for child safety. Check shut-off valve operation and for water leakage/stains on exterior.
-Woodstoves
Arrange annual safety inspection and cleaning of soot/creosote build-up by licensed chimney sweep.
-Gas Appliance
Schedule annual service/safety check.
INTERIOR
-Check doors/windows operations, condition and weather stripping.
-Clothes dryer/washer-vent clear of lint. Proper dryer ducts and metal reinforced washer hoses in place.
-Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors-change battery/test. Range hood-clean filter/fan.
PLUMBING
-Shut off outside faucets/drain/store hoses. Sprinkler system-drain for season. Well system-service conditioning system, check pressure tank operation, test water for potability, check/change water filters, test main shut-off.
-Inspect all visible plumbing/fixtures for leaks/deterioration
FIREPLACE
-Check damper, firebox and visible flue. Schedule cleaning/inspection by licensed chimney sweep.
SWIMMING POOL
-Winterize/cover
Information provided by Tiger Home Inspections
posted by Rob Grodman @ 8:05 AM
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