As summer months wind down and kids prepare for a new school year, it’s time to think about getting your home ready for cooler weather. A quick and simple inspection now will give you plenty of time to take care of repairs before winter arrives. You'll be able to enjoy your cozy home through the cold months knowing you have taken care of all the details.

Let’s review potential trouble spots, from the top to the bottom of your home, so you can plan to have any necessary work done over the next couple months.

Roof – Although roofs usually have a 20 to 30 year life, they still need some attention. Check the condition of your roof once a year, looking for missing or rotting shingles. Regular roof maintenance will maximize the life of your roof. Ensure the gutters and downspouts are free of leaves, needles and debris and check to see if the gutter and downspouts need repair. Clean the gutters again after the leaves have fallen from the trees.

Windows and doors – If your windows and doors have been open often over the summer, the seals probably need to be cleaned to ensure they will close tightly and keep the heat inside your home this winter. This is also the perfect time to replace any worn-out weather stripping.

 
Fireplace – Schedule an appointment with a chimney sweep company so you can safely and efficiently enjoy cozy fires all winter long.

 
Garage – When is it cold outside, some warm air leaks from your home and potentially enables air from an attached garage to be sucked in. Carbon monoxide and other harmful gases can also enter your home this way. Fumes given off by chemicals, pesticides and fertilizer stored in the garage can be harmful. Consider storing these substances outside in waterproof plastic containers.

 
Furnace – Paying attention to your furnace in the fall months can help you steer clear of problems in the winter. As a first step, make sure to clean or replace the furnace filter. In addition, bring in a heating professional to inspect the pilot light, burner and chimney flue of your furnace to avoid expensive repairs during the colder months.

 
Pipes – Insulate any pipes under your home that need to be insulated or replace any insulation that is deteriorating.

 
Deck – Treating your deck surface this fall could add years of life to your deck. Pressure-wash the deck, let it dry for at least three hours, and then apply a sealer or protectant.

 
Underground sprinkler system – Plan to have underground sprinkler lines blown out before cold weather sets in to prevent freezing and breakage.

 
Pest-proof your house – Take the time to thoroughly check the outside of your house for any areas that provide entry for mice or other rodents, who will soon be looking for a warm place to bunk this winter. Also make sure to block any potential entryways.

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