No home is maintenance free. Proper and timely maintenance can extend the life of your home and help you protect your investment. Before cold weather hits it’s good to consider the following:
-Road salt and other de-icing products used for ice control in the winter may affect the surface of the concrete. A good alternative to de-icers, is sand or cat litter for increased traction.
-Window wells must be kept free of ice, snow and other debris which may block the drainage system provided and flood your new home.
-Do not allow snow or ice to accumulate on the lawn in shaded areas as this will damage the grass. Any accumulations of snow should be distributed evenly over a large area so that is melts evenly.
-Weather-stripping around doors and windows reduce air infiltration. Check the weather-stripping annually to ensure that the seal is adequate. Petroleum jelly can be used to lubricate rubber or vinyl to maintain flexibility.
-Snow melting on the roof and freezing as it runs off can create ice damming. Ice dams can cause water to back up under the shingles which will result in a leak inside. This is a natural occurrence. When ice dams occur, the snow and ice should be removed off of the roof at the eaves and valleys.
-If high humidity levels occur inside your new home during periods of cold weather, condensation and frost on the inside face of the windows will occur. This is a ventilation issue and is not a fault with the window. Condensation can result in the growth of mold on the window frame that can be controlled with a mild solution of water and bleach.
-Garden hoses should not be left connected to the hose bib (garden connection) during freezing weather as neither can drain. Ice forming in the hose due to undrained water can break the hose or the hose bib and cause the pipe to freeze and possibly burst. Hose bibs often have a valve inside the house that can be shut off to allow the hose connection to be drained before winter. These shut-off valves should be identified and shut-off during winter months.
Undertaking maintenance is not for everyone. If you are uncomfortable undertaking any specific task, hire a professional.
