If the “big storm” of the year has not hit yet for you but it’s on its way, there still may be time to get these last few home improvement projects out of the way before it hits. Winter can cause absolute havoc on certain structures, especially as they age, so when it comes to the homeowner, it becomes especially important to keep up on certain tasks like fixing cracks in your driveway and blowing out your own sprinkler system because there is no one else there to do it for you anymore.
Your name is on the paperwork, and you are responsible for all repairs and maintenance.
So instead of calling a contractor and letting them have all the fun, here are some quick home improvement projects you can squeeze in before the weather bears down.
Check for Air Leaks
Relatively inexpensive repair, especially considering the potential energy savings. Air leaks are a major contributor to increased (lost) energy costs. Most air leaks occur around doors and windows, which are typically sealed by weatherstripping and caulking, respectively. If you see any light coming through the cracks or feel any drafts at any point along those cracks, then the weatherstripping and/or caulking needs to be replaced.
Trim Tree Limbs and other Landscaping
A common winter hazard is dead or collapsed tree limbs damaging homes. To prevent damage to your home, trim and/or prune away dead limbs and limbs that hang over the roof. If a job is too large, please contact a bonded professional.
Even a healthy tree can collapse under heavy snow, so please maintain your landscaping and trim your limbs regularly.
Repair Concrete Steps
If you have had the same set of crumbly, old concrete steps for years, the cool pre-storm weather is the perfect time to repair them. If you happen to be handy with a circular saw and an angle grinder, it then just becomes a matter of mixing the concrete itself, smoothing it out, then allowing it to dry over the requisite time before performing any additional steps as required by the manufacturer.
Clean Your Gutters and Your Roof
Seriously. If you have not done this yet, now is the time to do it. Accumulated leaves, whether on roofs or stuck in gutters, can trap moisture and later contribute to ice dams and/or icicles. To extend the lifetime of your roof and your home in general, remove accumulated leaves from your roof using a rake, leaf blower, or other implement to prevent this from occurring. The appearance of icicles could also be indicative of poor insulation, if the gutters check out.
How FAMCO Can Help
We are one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of HVAC supplies and accessories in the Pacific Northwest. While we may not be able to help you with your leaves, we can help you with getting the best in high-quality HVAC parts, backed by our one-year warranty. If you have any questions, please get in touch. We’ll be more than happy to help.
