Most people will feel if there is something wrong with their house, like when the utility bills suddenly get higher than usual. But that’s not the only indication that something’s wrong. Personal comfort is also one. Perhaps some parts of your house have become drafty or colder than the rest. Despite this, you can always do something about it—proper household maintenance.
Of course, different maintenance tasks should be done weekly, such as cleaning the toilet and washing bedsheets. There is monthly maintenance, like checking for toilet leaks and cleaning the air vents. Of course, there is the annual maintenance, looking out for the house’s foundation, maybe cleaning and painting the exteriors. Aside from that, you also have to perform seasonal maintenance tasks.
Since the cold months are here, it’s time for you to be reminded of the maintenance tasks that you need to do in the fall and winter.
- Watch out for ice dams.
Ice blockage in the edge of the roof causes damage to your gutters and shingles, which can lead to costly problems if not appropriately maintained. A sign of ice dams on the roof is when you notice ice forming in the corners of your house or gutters. So better to check on them as regularly as you can during winter.
- Check for leaks and drafts.
Drafts come from the tiny holes in the walls or the corners of the floor that you don’t usually see if you don’t check on them meticulously. They also come from windows and doors. Drafts get significantly worse around the cold months since they prevent proper heating.
Drafts are a problem even during spring and summer since they increase your utility bills, which is always inconvenient. So it’s better to get on with them as soon as possible.
Applying caulks is something you can do by yourself. With a bit of help and tutorial, you can be used to this in no time. This seals the walls and fixes bathroom molds between your tub, shower, toilet, and sink. Caulks protect them from excess moisture, water damage, mold growth. Applying them on walls can get rid of air and sound leaks around your house.
- Prevent moisture on laminate flooring.
The harsh cold weather can also cause damage to your flooring as well. While laminate flooring is known for its excellent moisture resistance, it can still suffer from winter stress and water damage, especially if constantly exposed.
To prevent this, you should place the rugs or mats over the areas of the floor where it’s most prone. If you’re coming from outside, avoid bringing your shoes in to stop water from spreading. This increases the moisture. Clean up your laminate floors regularly, and put extra effort if you notice excess moisture on them. These maintenance tasks will help you prevent costly and long-term damage.
- Prepare for weather changes.
Rain, snow, and even winter storms are inevitable nowadays, so it’s best to always be prepared. Prepare emergency kits in several parts of the house so you can reach them as quickly as possible no matter where you are. Have emergency kits ready in your car and ensure its maintenance is updated in case you need to leave your area.
A portable generator is a big help in times of emergencies and extended blackouts, so get one if you haven’t already. It can be your source of light and heat until the power in your house is fixed. You never know how long it’s going to last.
Insulate any exposed pipes. If you have a sump pump, be sure it functions properly to avoid clogging. Check its battery and make sure it’s switched on. Pour a small amount of water into the crock to make it start. Better yet, have your sewer line checked to ensure safety. Sewer maintenance and repair remain in demand during winter, especially when there’s a storm.
- Have your fireplace, chimney, and furnace inspected.
It’s better to have your chimney checked and cleaned professionally since there might be some poisonous stuff that you can catch. A blocked chimney can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and fire accidents.
You should maintain your furnace or wood stove regardless of what season it is. But since you need it most during the winter, it’s better to check on them more often. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, it can release harmful gas and poison you and the rest of the household.
Depending on where you are, you might notice the temperature is already dropping. It’s always better to be prepared for season changes and household maintenance to keep you and your family safe and avoid more expensive problems in the future.
