Outside Your Home
Roof and Gutters: Inspect the roof for any signs of buckling, curling or missing shingles. All metal flashing should be firmly adhered. Don't forget to check detached garages and shed roofs. Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected for any leaks. Thoroughly dry the area to be repaired and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any holes, joints or gaps. It's much easier to make these repairs now while the weather is still pleasant. If you have a lot of deciduous trees around your home you can always give the gutters another quick flush after the leaves have dropped.
Chimney: Inspect the exterior of your chimney. While some minor repairs can be done yourself, it's generally best to consult with a professional if you see significant mortar and/or brick damage. Have the inside of the chimney inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly. On average, your chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned. Burning green wood builds up more creosote and will require more frequent cleaning. Stock an adequate supply of dry, seasoned firewood and store away from the side of your house in a place where it will stay dry and has good air flow.
Siding, Doors and Windows: Inspect the siding, doors and windows for any gaps where air and moisture can pass through. Remove any old caulk and thoroughly clean any areas that need repair. Allow the area to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any gaps. Check and replace worn weather stripping on all doors and windows. Remove screens, clean and make any necessary repairs before storing for winter. Replace with storm windows if you have them.
Concrete: Inspect your concrete driveway, sidewalks and patio for cracks and pits. Minor defects can often be repaired on your own but larger jobs may require a professional. Walk around the home and inspect the foundation. If you notice significant cracks or damage you should have it professionally inspected immediately. For minor damage, it's a good idea to take pictures and document any problems so you can refer to them in the spring and determine if problems are progressing.
Decks, Porches and Outside Furniture: Inspect decks and porches for damage or rot. Make necessary repairs and paint and/or seal wood surfaces if weather allows. Check exterior lighting and reset timers if necessary. Clean and cover or store outside furniture and barbecue for winter.
Trees, Bushes and Lawn: All trees and bushes should be trimmed back from the house to reduce damage to siding, roofs and gutters. Take special care to have any dead or diseased branches removed from trees that may fall and cause injury, damage property or take down power lines. Mow, fertilize, thatch and re-seed or lay sod as needed to your lawn. Clean and store summer tools including draining and storing hoses. Check that winter tools like snow shovels and blowers (ok, I know we don't usually get that much snow around Seattle, but it's always possible) are ready to use.
Outdoor Faucets: If you have an inside valve for each outdoor faucet, turn these off and open the outside faucet slightly to drain any water left in the pipes. Attach insulated covers over outside faucets. If you need to use outside faucets in winter be sure to repeat these steps to prevent damage from freezing during colder temperatures. Blow out sprinkler systems when no longer needed.
Air Leaks: If you don't have insulated windows you can buy inexpensive and easy to install 'shrink & seal' insulation kits. This is an easy way to reduce heat loss through drafty, inefficient windows. Change light weight curtains with heavier drapes to help reduce heat loss and give the room a fresh look for the changing season. Add insulated plates to electrical outlets on exterior walls to minimize heat loss.
Heating System: Have a professional inspect and service your heating system each year to ensure it is operating efficiently. Change the air filter before you turn on the heat for the first time and replace monthly during the heating season. Buying a season's worth of filters and marking your calendar in advance will ensure this important task is not overlooked. This is also a good time to inspect all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly and replace batteries in each device. Check batteries monthly at the same time you change your air filters. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This can save a lot of money by eliminating those times you forget to turn the heat down when leaving the house for extended periods. Walk through your home and make sure all vents or baseboard heaters are clear of furniture.
Insulation: Consider having your home's insulation inspected to ensure it meets the proper R-value specifications and that there isn't any water or rodent damage. Wrap your water heater with an insulated blanket. Wrapping exposed water pipes in the crawl space or basement and garage will cut your energy bill, as well as help prevent pipes from freezing. Be sure and check for air leaks where pipes enter the house on exterior walls and caulk or add insulation as needed.
Emergencies: Last but not least, prepare an emergency kit for you and your family in the event of a power outage or other emergency.
Click here for important tips from the Red Cross and a comprehensive list of essential items to include in your kit.
