October 6, 2016
There’s no getting around the fact that temperatures are starting to fall here in Southeastern PA. Now is the time for homeowners to focus on ways to prevent costly damages from occurring due to snowfall before it’s too late. Fortunately, preventative maintenance doesn’t have to be a challenge, so long as you take the right steps and follow a plan.
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Here are some key preventative maintenance steps to take this fall, all of which can help to lead to a boost in overall home efficiency:
There are countless ways that energy loss can occur in a home. Still, windows and doors tend to be common culprits—especially if they’re loaded with tiny cracks and gaps. The solution? Air sealing those windows and doors!
If you’ve ever dealt with the issue of frozen pipes, you know how much of a hassle they can be. Winterizing your pipes and faucets with fitted insulation from most any hardware store can nip this problem in the bud.
Insulation is like a sweater for your home and is responsible for ensuring that unwanted heat transfer doesn’t occur. Since nearly 90% of homes in the U.S. are under insulated, you can get a lot of mileage out of an insulation upgrade this fall.
Even the best heating and cooling systems require regular preventative maintenance in order to ensure that detrimental problems don’t occur. Now’s the time to have your heating system checked so as to improve its efficiency and lengthen its lifespan.
Chimneys and fireplaces may be aesthetically pleasing, but they can cause a great deal of damage if clogged or otherwise not in working order. Be sure to inspect yo
ur chimney, and close the flu whenever it is not in use.
Siding can take a beating from inclement weather, especially if it hasn’t been treated in some time. Taking a quick moment to look at your siding for any apparent issues before the season hits will be quite beneficial in the long run.
Are your gutters clogged or dirty? This is a common problem that many people don’t even realize they face. Clogged gutters play a key role in the formation of ice dams, so if you can clean them up before the snow begins to fall, your chances of this problem occurring will be lessened.
Your roof has to be in good shape in order to properly handle even the slightest bit of inclement weather. Inspect it for loose or missing shingles and be sure to make minor repairs prior to the winter if possible.