Halloween is just around the corner and with it Old Man Winter. This October make sure you “treat” your home to needed repairs and winterizing maintenance. Follow the checklist below to ensure your home is ready for cold weather; otherwise, you may receive a few “tricks” that can cost you money once winter is in full swing.

1. Clean your gutters. Remove leaves and other debris from the gutters so rain and melting snow can drain. Clogged drains can lead to ice dams which can cause water to seep into your house. Also look for leaks and ensure the downspouts carry water away from your home’s foundation to prevent flooding and other water damage.
2. Inspect the roof. Look for damaged shingles and repair them before they leak.
3. Take a look in your attic. Add insulation if needed to keep your home warm. You need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic. Also make sure no animals or birds are living in your attic. Seal off any entry points to keep the them out.
4. Check and clean skylights. Inspect the flashing and make sure there are no leaks.
5. Survey your home’s exterior. Seal any cracks or areas that leak or potentially let in critters. For brick, use masonry sealer which holds up better to freezing and thawing.
6. Install storm windows. They can increase the warmth of your home and save you money when heating your home. For a cheaper alternative to storm windows, install plastic sheeting to the interior side of your windows with double-stick tape. Use a hair dryer to shrink-wrap the sheeting onto the window.
7. Inspect your chimney or woodstove pipe. Have it cleaned to prevent potential fires. Place a protective cap with a screen on your chimney to keep out birds, rain and other objects. Also, to keep the cold air out, make sure your chimney’s damper is closed when you’re not using your fireplace.
8. Get a sump pump if you have a basement to prevent flooding. If you already have a sump pump, check to make sure it’s working properly.
9. Wrap your pipes. Make sure that any pipes in unheated areas of your home are protected with insulation, pre-molded foam rubber sleeves or heat tape to prevent them from bursting due to freezing. Shut off the water to all hose bibs and drain the lines.
10. Trim trees, bushes and vines. Remove any tree branches that hang over your home or power lines to prevent them from causing any damage or electrical outages. If you have vines climbing your home, cut them back to keep them from holding moisture in which can damage mortar or wood siding.

By taking these few precautions now, you can have peace of mind while potentially saving on energy costs during cold weather.

At Grandview Lending, we want you to protect your biggest investment – your home – from any winter weather-related issues. And when you’re ready to refinance or buy a new home, contact our mortgage specialists. They can help you find a mortgage loan that meets your needs.

Photo credit: iStockphoto