Walk Around the Yard Before Winter

This is the time of year when we are finalizing winter preparation in our yards.  Sprinkler systems are being properly prepared for the cold weather. Hoses are being dried out and put away to avoid freezing.

Experts say this is also a good time to take a thorough walk around your home to make sure your house is secure for winter.

You should grab a pen and paper and prepare to take inventory.  Start with a pair of binoculars so you can check the tiles on your roof to determine if any need to be replaced or repaired.  The same holds true for areas around your chimney. See if you can spot any cracks.  Be prepared to write down what you find and call a professional roofer for an inspection. It’s important to get any roof repair work done before snow starts falling.

Take a look around your patio or deck. You’ve probably put the big lawn furniture away for the season but it’s still a good idea to make sure there are no items still outside that can be damaged by cold weather or frost.  Any patio furniture that does remain outside should be cleaned, dried and possible covered. 

As long as you are standing on the deck, you might as well look down and check out the condition.  Check for wood splintering and any other damage that needs to be treated before winter weather makes it worse.

Double-check your outdoor faucets to make sure there are no drips.  You probably already checked faucets when you put hoses away but it’s still a good idea to give those faucets another look. Consider wrapping and covering faucets to prevent water damage.

Winter means it gets dark earlier in the day. Now is the time to check exterior lighting around the driveway and front walk. Outside lights will reduce the risk of icy falls.

Check for wear and tear around windows and sidings.

At the end, check your list and determine what work needs to be done before winter arrives.