5 Home Maintenance Tasks to do Before Winter

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, now is the perfect time to make sure all your home maintenance tasks are taken care of.

Who wants to be stuck worrying about your furnace, roof, or fireplace right before the holidays, especially in our great state of Minnesota.

Inspect Your Roof: The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends you should have your roof inspected twice a year. We know that seems like an awful lot but consider how old your roof is. If you haven’t had it looked in some time, it could long overdue.

Whether you take the time to look at it yourself or hire a professional, its important to spot potential problems before they become, well, as serious problem.

Check Your Furnace: Of course, we recommend checking your furnace twice a year and before the cold hits is so important. You don’t want to be stuck without heat on the coldest day of the year, especially in MN. We highly recommend brining in a professional to do this. Many companies (like us) have programs where they offer discounts for regular maintenance, or you can schedule a onetime checkup. And since we’re on the subject, don’t forget to change that furnace filter.

Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney: There’s something so great about having a nice warm fire in the winter, but not if your fireplace isn’t working right. If you haven’t touched it all year, now is a good time to have it cleaned and inspected. If it’s gas, having it inspected for any blockages is always a good idea as well. A professional will go through all aspects of it to make sure it’s running smoothly. If you need more resources, check out the CSIA (Chimney Safety Institute of America).

Storing Outdoor Furniture and Garden Items: Did you forget to bring in your outdoor pots or chairs last year before the first snow? Now is a great time to break it all down and bring it inside. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Clean Your Gutters: Cleaning your gutter is key! Clogged gutters can lead to issues like ice dams (no one wants those in MN during the winter), issues with rodents and insects, or even water damage. Having them inspected and cleaned one to two times a year is key to making sure gutters and downspouts area clear of leaves and debris!

There are many more things you can do to prepare your home for winter, but theses are just a few of the big ones we recommend putting on your to-do list every year! If you’re running short on time or just don’t want to do these yourself, always consider hiring a professional.