10 Home Maintenance Tips to Prepare for Winter

Why is winter maintenance so essential? During the cold months, your home is vulnerable to ice and snow damage. Taking the time to prepare for these issues can save you a considerable expense. Here are 10 home maintenance tips to prepare for winter. 

1. Clean Your Chimney  

Many fireplace owners love winter time because they finally get to enjoy their hearths. However, you need to clean your chimney before lighting that yule log. Combustion releases toxins and soot, which can accumulate in your chimney and catch fire. Chimney cleaning ensures your home stays safe.  

2. Check Your Home's Weather Stripping  

If you want to keep the chill during winter 2021, you need undamaged weather stripping. This handy accessory goes along thresholds and windowsills, creating a perfect seal for doors and windows to prevent air leaks. Since these features are the number-one source of heat loss, weather stripping can save you money on energy and keep you toasty in the winter months. 

3. Change the Batteries in Your Smoke Detector or Smoke Alarm 

You should check your smoke detectors at least once a year. You can add it to your winter home maintenance checklist to ensure you remember. You should also check your carbon monoxide detectors if you have them. Functioning carbon monoxide detectors are essential during winter weather, as some heaters may generate this toxic gas.  

4. Clear Out Your Gutters  

• Gutters pulling away from the eaves  

• Water puddling on the roof, causing mold and water damage  

• Holes in the roof from the weight of frozen debris  

• Foundation issues from water dripping off the gutter and forming puddles  

5. Insulate Your Plumbing  

Burst pipes can be expensive to clean up and repair. To protect your home from water damage, you should insulate your pipes before the freezing temperature hits. Foam pipe insulation keeps your plumbing's interior temperature from dropping too low, and it's relatively easy to install.  

6. Inspect Your Generator  

A generator will come in handy if a storm knocks out your power. If you don't have one, you should look into getting one, and if you're all set on that front, you should give your model a once-over before the cold weather sets in. You don't want to be in the middle of a blackout when you discover your generator isn't working.  

7. Stock Up on Ice Melt  

Snow and ice create dangerous driving conditions when they accumulate. So before the first storm, make sure you have plenty of ice melt, salt, and sand to treat your driveway. Ice melt and salt will reduce the ice, while the sand provides additional traction for your tires.  

8. Build Your Snowed-In Kit  

Do you have everything you need to deal with an emergency? You should take stock because if you get snowed in for days, you'll have to manage on your own. To ensure you're prepared for anything, you must create a snowed-in kit, which should have the following:  

• First-aid  
• A flashlight or lantern  
• Extra batteries  
• Insulated gloves  
• Survival blankets  
• Portable charger  
• Basic toolkit  
• Firestarters 

If you've already packed your kit, inspect it before the winter weather hits. Make sure your light sources work, and your extra batteries are still good. Additionally, you may want to add a few extra gloves and blankets in case you have guests when an emergency hits.  

9. Winter Tools Necessary for Your Home Maintenance Checklist: 

• Ice chisel or scraper  
• Snow shovel  
• Snow blower  

Checking the condition of your winter tools before you need them can save you a big headache. Additionally, it would be best to store your summer and autumn tools adequately. Ensure the storage space doesn't have any leaks or pests that could harm your equipment. You may also want to keep the area locked or otherwise protected from thieves.  

10. Invest in a Heater  

Finally, you should consider getting a space heater if you don't already own one. Heaters can save you on energy costs since they allow you to heat the room you're in rather than the whole house. Additionally, most are portable, and some are designed for outdoor use, enabling you to enjoy your backyard even during the cold months. They come in several designs, each of which has benefits to offer.  

You can find everything you need for winter home maintenance at Max Warehouse. To learn more, you can call our Experience Makers at 800-210-0132; we can help you complete your winter home maintenance checklist. 

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