Gutters And Downspouts
Gutter systems are critical to preventing water damage around the foundation of your home. They redirect rainwater away from the house, preventing basement flooding and foundation degradation. Clogged gutters, however, can leave your home vulnerable to serious and costly problems.
Clean your gutters to ensure they are able to do their job this winter. An easy way to check is to wait for a rainy day and walk the perimeter of your home. If water is pooling or flowing into areas it shouldn’t like around the eaves of your roof, it could mean your gutter system is not working properly.
Trim Your Trees
Trees can protect homes from winter elements. However, if the branches are too close to the house or power lines they can cause damage. Trimming them will help to prevent this damage from occurring.
Always prune a tree at the base of the stump, removing suckers (weak and weed-like looking growth). These will never become desirable branches, and they steal energy from your existing ones.
Inspect The Attic
While it may not be the most enjoyable task, inspecting your attic should be done every year to ensure there are no major issues. Keeping a warm and well-insulated attic is a sure way to lower your energy bills in winter.
Check your attic insulation — whether it’s blown-in cellulose or fiberglass rolls placed between the rafters — for any holes, moisture and mold. If you find any of these things, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection.
