Winterizing Your Home

• Check for air leaks: On a day when it's windy outside, close your windows/doors and feel for air leaks. Typically, leaks will be found at the edges where the window is hinged, slides, or meets another unit. You can tape plastic over windows to seal them, but this can be expensive and rather unattractive. A better and easier solution is to use inexpensive rope caulk to seal leaks. Press the rope to caulk into all the joints where the air is leaking.
• Inspect the outside window moldings: Look around windows for damaged or missing caulking. Use a good quality exterior caulk to seal any gaps you find. 
• Inspect window tracks: Clean the tracks of any debris that might be interfering with seals. 
• Inspect the locking mechanisms & caulking: Make sure they work adequately. You will want to lock them securely once winter sets in. 
• Inspect door caulking: Look around the outside moldings of door frames, and add new exterior-grade caulking if necessary.
• Inspect and replace any failed weather stripping: Check the weather stripping around windows and doors, including the door  sweep attached to the bottom of the door. This will help to minimize draughts

Do a quick check of the roof to prepare for winter. Either hire someone to inspect it if you are not comfortable doing this yourself, or inspect it yourself wearing well-fastened shoes with nonskid soles.

• Inspect the shingles: Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles, and have them replaced. If you can’t get up to the roof, consider using a drone.
• If roof access isn’t feasible: consider taking a flashlight and inspecting the attic space, making sure there are no signs of moisture and that there is enough insulation up there.
• Inspect the flashing: Check flashing around chimneys and other roof projections, which are often the source of leaks. Have repairs made if necessary. 
• Inspect the gutters: Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean with no leaves or debris clogging them. Wet leaves remaining in the gutters over winter add significant weight and volume when frozen, increasing the risk of damage, not to mention water getting in behind the siding. Also, make sure downspouts are solidly attached.

I am always here to help if you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling or just need some advice. Referrals are very much appreciated.

*Sourced from The Spruce, taken November 13, 2021.