Every real estate owner must prepare his property for the winter. Here are several tips which you will find to be never helpful.
Check the windows and doors: Studies show that heat escapes through cracks on the exterior window and door frames. So, before the winter arrives, check your windows and doors for fissured and fix them. This way you will be able to keep your home warm without paying immense amounts of money to the electrical company.
Prepare the backyard: The outdoor areas of your property will suffer the most during the winter as they will be exposed to the natural elements. So, it is of immense importance that you take good care of your backyard and front lawn. Start by bringing indoors your garden furnishings. If you lack the space in your garbage or basement, cover them with a thick fabric. You should also contact professional rubbish removal contractors to come and clear the garden waste. You should remove all fallen branches and leaves from your backyard as once they freeze they can become hazardous elements, plus they will be much harder to remove once spring comes.
Verify your AC system and vents: Vents tend to get congested with dust whiles AC systems can stop functioning properly. So, don’t be hesitant to clean your ventilation system from top to bottom and to check whether your air conditioning system is working properly. If you notice any malfunction, fix them instantly.
Clean the gutters: Clogged gutters during the winter can be a serious issue as the melting snow won’t be able to drain properly and can cause severe structural damages. So, grab a ladder and check your gutters thoroughly. Make sure that they are fully functional and if you notice any problematic sections, fix them momentarily. Once your gutters are fully cleared, contact a rubbish removal company to come and collect the accumulated junk.
Check the furnace and boiler if you are using a furnace to heat your household, examine it diligently so that you can have the peace of mind that it is working properly and won’t stop functioning during the coldest months of the year. Do the same thing with your water boiler. After all you don’t want to end up having only cold water during the winter!
Slide-proof the path and outdoor stairs: Ice is dangerous and is the number one reason for winter-related injuries. So when the winter comes, sprinkle salt on your path and outdoor stairs. Also make sure that the railing is stiff enough to endure your weight.
Shut water pipes: Shut all water pipes that you won’t be using during the winter. Frozen water tends to expand and can burst your pipes during the colder days of winter. By turning off the water supply, you will ensure that your pipes are dry and therefore properly protected.
As you can see, preparing your property for the winter isn’t as complicated as you may have thought. So, now pull up your sleeves and start taking care of your household, so that you can go through a calm and stress-free winter.