It’s that time of year again….WINTER!

As with any other season, preparation is key.

Here is a simple exterior checklist we recommend to keep your home in good working order….. starting from the roof and working your way down:

1.  Chimney cap, be sure your chimney has a chimney cap of some sort, preventing water entry into the chimney and conversely preventing hot embers from escaping the chimney.

2.  Roof, if your roof is over eight to ten years old, consider having it inspected by a qualified roofer to ensure it is still in good working order. $30 spent on this inspection now, can prevent a huge headache in the midst of winter.

3.  Gutters, be sure gutters are clean, fully connected and that they have adequate downspouts/ splash-guards, guiding water downhill and away from the dwelling.

4.  Siding and window trim, a simple walk around the home can end up saving thousands. Check for cracked, buckled or missing siding and replace/repair accordingly. With any siding or window issues, we always encourage homeowners to seek the help of a licensed professional.

5.  Water spigots and hoses, be sure to cover spigots with an insulated wrap ( can be found at any local hardware store for less than three dollars) and be sure to unhook , drain and coil all hoses.

6.  Crawl space and pipes, this may be a job for your local licensed handyman. Be sure all exposed pipes in your crawl space are wrapped with pipe insulation to prevent freezing or bursting. To prevent ground moisture, mold, and water from building up in the crawl space, make sure the crawl space floor is lined with 6ml plastic.

7.  Property grounds, when the inevitable freeze and snow arrives, consider salting your walkways, driveways, and stairways. It may cause a bit of a mess, but preventing any major slip and fall is well worth the cleanup time in the spring.