Duffy Real Estate Resources
Seasonal Maintenance
Is Your Home Ready for Winter?
By following a preventive maintenance program, you can increase the wear-ability and the eventual saleability of your home.
The proper precautions taken now can help you and your home enjoy a safe and damage-free winter.
- AIR CONDITIONING - Clean out & cover your air conditioner
- ASPHALT DRIVEWAY - Patch cracks & holes; apply sealer
- BASEMENT WINDOW WELLS - Remove leaves; check drainage
- CAULKING - Replace loose caulking around windows/doors
- CHIMNEY CAP - Inspect for cracks; flashing should be secure
- EXTERIOR PAINT - Repaint before temperature drops below 40° F
- FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY - Check damper; have flue cleaned if needed
- GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS - Remove debris & check for damage
- HEATER - Professionally clean; replace filter
- INSULATE - Properly insulate attic floor & pipes in unheated areas of your home
- OUTSIDE FAUCETS - Shut off & drain pipes leaving faucet on
- ROOF - Look for torn, loose shingles & repair
- WEATHERSTRIPPING - Check door/windows; replace if necessary
- WINDOWS - Repair or replace any cracked or broken windows
Give your Home a Spring Checkup
- AIR CONDITIONING - Clean the outdoor condensing unit before cooling season & have it checked when warmer temperatures are constant (early May); change filters each month during cooling season ∓ check it for proper drainage at condensate line
- ASPHALT DRIVEWAY - Patch cracks & holes; apply sealer
- BASEMENT WINDOW WELLS - Remove leaves; check drainage
- CONCRETE STEPS/SIDEWALKS - Repair cracked or shifted concrete caused by winter freezing and thawing cycles
- DECKS - Look for signs of termites & decay in wood; clean/re-stain
- FOUNDATION - Make sure that water drains away from your house
- GUTTERS/DOWNSPOUTS - Remove debris & check for damage
- ROOF - Look for torn, loose shingles & repair
- TREES - As trees begin to turn green, it will be easy to identify those that did not survive the cold weather; dead trees & limbs are a hazard to your property & your neighbor's; remove them before any damage occurs
Remember, a home is the largest asset most of us will own.
Through timely inspections and proper maintenance, you will have done your part in protecting that asset.