As cold weather begins to make its appearance in Northwest Arkansas, it can be easy to get wrapped up in visions of snow days and forget the perils home owners face can face during the winter months. With November gone, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for the changing season. Here are five tips to help you prepare your home for winter.
- Ensure Proper Drainage
The leaves that looked so pretty as they were changing could cause havoc if they aren’t removed from your gutters before winter. Make sure any melting snow and ice will be able to properly drain away from your house by cleaning out your gutters and downspouts. Clogs could result in the water escaping between your shingles, causing damage to your roof.
- Inspect your Weather Stripping
Improper sealing of doors and windows can make your costs for heating skyrocket. Do yourself a favor and replace any damaged weather stripping before the weather turns bitter. This will help you keep the warm air inside where it belongs.
- Clear your Driveway
The last thing you want to do when shoveling your driveway is hit a patch of frozen weeds or trip over the lawn chair you forgot to move. Avoid these nuisances by clearing outdoor surfaces of miscellaneous objects and spraying herbicide to remove any plants that may be growing in the cracks.
- Clean out your garage
Have you ever been running slightly late for work only to realize you still have to scrape your frost-covered windshields? Avoid this chilly activity by parking in your garage! Take the time now to make space for your vehicle – you’ll thank yourself later!
- Check your Heat Source
If you haven’t already turned your furnace on this year, make sure everything is in good working order. Call a professional to help you perform any maintenance that may be required and don’t forget to change air filters!
Fall is over and winter has arrived! Stay ahead of the changing weather by preparing your home today.
Want to own a home in Northwest Arkansas? Check our current listings at allnwahomes.com. Would you rather rent a home? Learn more at McNaughtonRentals.com.
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Since you mentioned that one should maintain a driveway for winter by removing patches of grass and obstructing furniture, my tip is to get cracks sealed as soon as possible. Doing this will reduce the chance of anyone getting injured while walking on it. Aside from that, it can also improve the home’s curb appeal too.
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That is also great advice!