Your home is your sanctuary, your safe space. Keeping it that way takes maintenance and attention, especially in the harsh weather of the winter months. The following six winter home maintenance suggestions will keep your home from becoming derelict this season. Proper maintenance will greatly help preserve the value of your home while protecting the quality of life for everyone in the household.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning removes leaves and dirt that clog the gutters and impede them from working correctly. It is essential to keep gutters clear to reduce the risk of rot and the attraction of pests. Overfilled gutters can lead to damage to the roof and exterior walls.
Once the debris is cleared from the gutter system, it should be flushed with water to ensure that future rainwater flows through with ease.
It’s recommended that gutter systems be cleaned twice a year.
Carpet Cleaning
Home’s carpet traps and stores dirt, dust, and bacteria. Removing these allergens through professional carpet cleaning will not only restore the look of the carpet but keep your household healthy. Whether your kids or pets play on the carpet, professional carpet cleaning is the most effective way to protect them from dust mites and bacteria.
A dirty carpet can reduce the quality of airflow in your home. Each step can kick up dirt and dust from the rug into the air. The air quality in your home can directly affect the health of your household.
While professional carpet cleaning protects your household, it will also slow the wear and tear of the carpet, making it last longer and saving you money in the long run.
Ice Dam Removal
During the winter months, snow and ice can collect on your roof. An ice dam is a term for the build-up of ice on the edge of a roof caused by heat from a home melting snow on the top of the roof then freezing on the roofline. Ice dams can be very heavy and, combined with moisture, can cause severe damage to your home. They can destroy gutters and cause leaks.
The longer the ice dam is on the roof, the higher risk you take of damage to your home. But, ice dam removal can be difficult and dangerous. It is best for ice dams to be removed by professionals with the equipment and the experience. Ensure the job is done safely without causing any damage to your roof or walls.
Snow Removal
Snow can be magical to experience, but the reality is winter weather can be brutal for a home. Managing snow removal at your residence can be overwhelming and frustrating. You may be tempted to wait until spring for the snow to melt, but this could cause damage to your house and lead to costly repairs.
Collected snow builds up and is heavy and damaging to the structure’s integrity. Heavy snow can cause cracks in the drywall, warping of walls, and sagging in the roof.
Be sure to remove snow from your residence to protect it promptly. In most areas, snow removal is a responsibility monitored by your local government. Check to be sure what you are responsible for on your residence and adjacent sidewalks.
House Cleaning
Spring cleaning may be a popular term, but deep house cleaning in the winter may be a better option. Whether preparing your home for the holiday visitors or kicking off the new year with a fresh and clean start, deep cleaning your home is a great place to start.
Junk Removal
It’s beneficial to take some time each year to go through your home and clear out any unwanted items taking up space. Try making this part of your end-of-the-year or new year routine. Disposing of or donating unwanted items will prevent clutter from piling up over the years. Reorganize what you need to keep to declutter your home in the process.
Removing junk and unwanted clutter will make your home look cleaner and more hygienic. Your local junk removal company can help you with hauling away your unwanted items.
Plan Ahead for the Spring
The downtime of winter is an excellent opportunity to plan for home projects in the upcoming warmer months. Come springtime; you’ll want to be ready to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.
Look into the below services to start planning now and save you time this spring.
- Deck Maintenance
- Deck Staining and Sealing
- Window Washing
- Screen Repairs or Replacement
- Air Duct Cleaning
Bottom Line
Keeping your home well maintained is essential to the health of your household and protects your investment. Just as your home protects you from the elements, you must protect it too. And if you are too busy or need some help, you can always contact professionals in your area to lend an experienced hand toward your home maintenance.