8 Tips To Prep Your Property For Winter

It’s officially Fall and that means…spoiler alert…Winter is coming! And winters in Maine can be especially harsh on our homes and other structures. Now is the time to start prepping your property to ensure you can enjoy a cozy, carefree winter, and avoid any headaches when things thaw out next spring! We’ve gathered 8 winter prepping tips here to help you get started.

Prep Tip #1 - Seal Any Air Leaks

Check all your windows and doors for drafts and apply caulk or weather stripping to seal them up. This will help maximize your homes energy efficiency, potentially saving you a significant amount in energy costs. Sealing any gaps can also prevent any moisture from making its way inside and causing rot and other damage.

Prep Tip #2 - Inspect Your Heating System

Book your appointment now for your favorite heating specialist to take a look at your heating system and fuel lines. Have them give your system a complete tune up and change any necessary filters, including any humidifiers if you have one. And contact your heating fuel supplier now to set up auto-refills throughout the winter to avoid an empty tank. Some companies even offer a discount if you sign up for this service.

Prep Tip #3 - Stow Your Garden Hoses

It’s time to take down any garden hoses you have connected to exterior faucets and store them in your garage or garden shed. If left out, they could allow water to back up into the faucet just inside the wall. Once freezing temps arrive, that water could freeze and expand enough to crack the faucet or pipe, causing unseen damage inside your home. Don’t forget to start with the shutoff valves to avoid any leaks.

Prep Tip #4 - Clean and Store Your Lawn Mower

Whether you choose to run your mower dry or decide to keep the tank full with stabilized gas, it’s best to take care of that process as soon as your mowing days are over to preserve the engine and parts. A small bottle of gas stabilizer is all you need to keep the gas from degrading and in good condition until winter is over. Just add the stabilizer to the gas, let the mower run for a few minutes to make sure the stabilizer makes its way through, and you’re all set. You may choose to run the tank dry instead, or even take your mower to a technician to have it serviced as well. As long as you take the time now to get it done, next spring you’ll be back to mowing hassle free.

Prep Tip #5 - Prepare Your Plants

Take a look at all the trees around your property to remove any dead or hanging branches. You’ll also want to make sure the limbs and branches haven’t grown too close to the house. A safe distance is no closer than 3 feet to avoid dripping and ice, or fallen branches during storms. This is the right time to trim back, wrap up, or cover your perennials, and put down a layer of fertilizer and mulch to give your plants a boost before the famine, and keep them warmer and away from the frost.

Prep Tip #6 - Check Your Chimney

It’s a good idea to inspect your chimney inside and out every year to avoid any hazards. Before your first fire, check your damper is functioning property, opening and closing completely. Use a flash light to inspect their interior walls of the flue and make sure there aren’t any obstructions that could cause a chimney fire, and that there isn’t a buildup of creosote (a flammable, sooty buildup). Also, take a look at the exterior to look for any leaning, chipped bricks or masonry joints. You also want to make sure there aren’t any holes or cracks, or corrosion or staining on any metal portions. If you have access to your chimney inside your attic you’ll want to check it inside there as well. Look for any signs indicating that repairs are needed. If you aren’t sure, contact your realtor to connect you with a local certified chimney inspector.

Prep Tip #7 - Clean Your Gutters

Be sure to inspect your gutters and downspouts for any clogs or debris. Too much water around your home can cause leaks and damage your property’s foundation. Not to mention ice dams which can mean expensive roof repairs and other problems. Remove all leaves, twigs and other buildup, and check to make sure there aren’t any sections that are sagging or allowing water to collect. This is the time to replace any worn out materials as well as tighten up brackets and footings.

Tip #8 - Check Your Roof

A roof inspection now will definitely save you from leaks and ice dams later. Using a pair of binoculars, check all around the roof from top to bottom to note any crack in the flashing, rust spots, curling or missing shingles, moss growth or black algae. Some repairs you can make on your own, but it is always recommended to contact a roofing expert or specialized roofing inspector to determine the best course of action.

We hope you find these tips super helpful. What better way to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage and cooler temps than to get outside and complete your winter prepping? Remember, if at any time during your preparations you determine you need a professional technician or inspector to help ensure your systems are in tip-top shape, please don’t hesitate to contact The Fletcher Group. We’ll be happy to connect you with one of the best vendors in your area.

Written by Melissa Mathews, Marketing & Listing Manager for The Fletcher Group