Autumn is well underway here in the US, with some regions experiencing the start of changing leaves and dropping temperatures, while in other areas homeowners have already raked up the last of the fallen foliage. For those living in Michigan, it's important to be thinking about vital home maintenance projects before the start of winter.
Characterized by below-freezing temperatures and significant amounts of snowfall and ice, winter is easily the harshest season that Michigan homes have to endure. In order to make sure yours is protected, Top Home Improvements has assembled a checklist of vital home maintenance projects to accomplish before winter arrives.
1. Make Sure to Check Your Gutters
After the last leaves on your trees have fallen, it's time to clean out your gutters. Gutters and downspouts help to properly drain water away from your home, but if they're full of leaves, dirt and debris, they could easily become clogged, and water may start backing up into your home.
If you want to keep your gutters clear without constantly getting up on a ladder, consider having gutter guards installed to keep debris from accumulating inside.
2. Schedule Tree-Trimming Services
If you have towering maple, oak or pine trees in your yard, you probably love the way they enhance your property and provide you with shade during the sunny summer days. But in winter, those majestic trees can become hazardous!
When snow falls, it accumulates on your tree branches, and as the branches get weighed down, they could crash into your roof, siding or other areas of your home. To avoid disasters like this, schedule tree-trimming services to eliminate any branches hanging over your home.
3. Shut Off Your Outdoor Plumbing
Another important task to accomplish ahead of winter weather is shutting off any outdoor plumbing. When temperatures hit below-freezing levels, any standing water in your outdoor pipes will freeze, forcing the pipes to expand and potentially burst, which could lead to serious damage and costly repairs.
To avoid any water damage, turn off your outdoor plumbing, drain all remaining water in the system, and disconnect your faucets and hoses, and bring them inside until spring.
4. Thorough Inspection of Your Roof
Throughout the winter months, your roof is responsible for keep your home warm and protected. Because of this, it's always a good idea to schedule a roof inspection in the fall. Even if your roof appears to be in good condition, tiny cracks or gaps could get filled with melted snow, refreeze and expand, and create more serious issues with your roof.
Get in touch with a trusted roofing contractor for a pre-winter inspection. They'll know to check for things like:
- Cracked or Curled Shingles
- Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
- Loosened or Damaged Flashing
- Attic Ventilation and Insulation
- Weakened Structural Integrity
5. Properly Seal Windows and Doors
The windows and exteriors doors to your home create major openings for air or water to make their way inside your home if not properly sealed. You may not notice this while the weather is mild, but once winter has settled in, you definitely don't want to be dealing with a drafty house or lingering moisture!
If you want to be absolutely certain that your windows and exteriors doors are winter-ready, prepare them by doing things like:
- Apply Weatherstripping
- Caulk Any Gaps or Cracks
- Use Window Film Kits
- Hang Thermal Curtains
- Install a Door Sweep
- Tighten Door Hinges
Throughout our time in business, THI has earned hundreds of 5-star customer reviews for the quality of our home remodeling services. Our roofing and gutter services, siding replacements and door and window installations always feature industry-leading materials and professional-grade workmanship, so you'll rest assured all winter long that your home is prepared for snow, ice and freezing temperatures when you work with our expert team. Get in touch with THI today to learn more, and to receive a free price estimate on any of our home remodeling services.
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