Nov 30in GENERAL
Winter Checklist
It’s that time of the year when you got to make sure that your home is in tip-top shape for the winter.
Below is a list for you to use to maintain your new home.
If left unattended, the weight of snow and ice can cause leaking and ice damage to the roof, flashings, and gutter systems. Ice and snow build-up at valleys, skylight curbs, and roof-to-wall flashings should be, as necessary, addressed by a professional.
Clean out built-up dirt and debris. Caution! Do not flush debris into downspout outlets, as it will clog underground drain tile (pipe). Once the gutters are cleaned, downspouts and related drain tile can be flushed.
Rock swales and catch basins serving to channel lot surface water should be checked and cleaned off debris weekly, to promote unobstructed water flow. Rock swales easily clog with landscape materials. A high-pressure hose can effectively clean out the system. If severely clogged, removal of the rock and retrenching may be required.
Sprinkler systems should be drained and flushed with the coming seasonal change. Failure to do so could result in freeze damage. Leaves left on lawn areas can smother and kill grass. Rake leaves and storm debris at least weekly.
With anticipated light frost or freezing weather conditions, hoses should be disconnected and bibs drained after each use.
During abnormally cold or prolonged periods of freezing weather conditions (Arctic freezes), it is advisable to trickle water from interior plumbing valves. Typically, such water movement will prevent water service lines from freezing. Pay particular attention to sinks, tubs and showers with service lines located on outside walls. Frozen pipes will not leak until thawed. If a service line is frozen, call a professional plumber to thaw the pipe and initiate repairs if necessary. Should a leak appear, shut off the supply valve to the house and open other working valves to drain as much of the system as possible.
If this was not done for fall maintenance, it is recommended that you turn off the garage hose bib shut-off valve. This portion of the plumbing system is not insulated and is the most likely to freeze and burst
Prior to the start of the heating season, check the filters in the furnace, and clean or replace as necessary. Filters are located within the furnace unit and/or behind return air grills. If a “no heat” situation occurs, refer to your Owner’s Manual for self-repair and reset instructions. Only after such efforts should one call the heating subcontractor responsible for the warranty on your furnace. Thermostats should be set at a minimum of 63 degrees. Drastic temperature fluctuations can cause problems with finished surfaces in your home (i.e., oak floors and drywall)
Power outages can potentially trip circuits and G.F.I. outlets. Refer to your reference system manuals and panel box information for self-repair instructions. Surge protection equipment should be installed on devices subject to damage from power surges (i.e. VCR’s, stereos, computers, etc.) Smoke alarms need to be vacuumed at regular intervals to remove dust.