Winter will be here before you know it and you must be ready. Without preparing your home ahead of time, you may find that you have potential problems that will not only be inconvenient but can be expensive as well. Here are just a few tasks you should put on your to-do list to help you prepare for that first snowfall in Markham.
1. Trim the Trees
Late fall is one of the best times to trim the trees in your yard. During this time of year, the trees become dormant and stop growing. Trimming a tree during this stage helps it remain healthy and prevents spreading diseases throughout the tree or to other nearby plants. Plus, once all the leaves have fallen, it is easy to see what branches need to be trimmed.
When the first heavy snowfall hits, many of your weak branches will fall under the weight of the snow. This could cause damage to other parts of the tree, nearby property, etc. Trimming the tree will reduce the risk of these falling limbs and improve the curb appeal of your home in the spring.
2. Repair Your Seals
Fall is the perfect time to walk around your home and look for potential air leaks. Check the seals in all of your windows and the seals around your door. If you find any holes, gaps, or other issues, this could cause you to lose energy in your home, increasing your heating costs during the winter. Spend an afternoon checking all the seals. It is a simple task and requires very little time and know-how.
3. Clean Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace, you want it to be ready for those cozy winter fires. Hire a cleaner to come and inspect the chimney and clean it if necessary. It is recommended that even if you don’t use your fireplace often, it should be inspected at least once a year. This one task can greatly decrease your risk of a house fire.
4. Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Do you have a sprinkler system? If so, you want to get this feature ready for winter prior to the below-freezing temperatures. When winterizing your sprinkler system, you want to blow out all of the water in the pipes. If water is left in these pipes, it can cause the pipes to crack, causing you many issues and headaches in the spring and summer months. Also, don’t forget to drain and shut off your outside water valves. If you don’t know how to properly winterize your home, hire a professional.
Being prepared for the first snowfall and the cold winter months in Markham doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. The above four tasks are a great starting place to help you properly prepare. For more information on home improvement, the real estate market in Markham, and events and activities in the area, check out Martin MacFarlane’s blog.
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