Ah, October in Colorado... That first burst of cold that comes along with the changing of the leaves. In the Denver area we typically see rain early in the month, often giving way towards our first snow of the season. With this time of year comes several things which we recommend as basic care and maintenance for your home.
1. Clean the Gutters… Yes, you have heard this before and you will hear it again here. Your gutter system is an essential for diverting water away from the foundation. Before the bulk of the leaves fall is a great time to ensure your gutters are draining properly. Use care while working on ladders and roofs, as these surfaces tend to be slippery when wet. If you are uncomfortable working at heights, consider using a gutter cleaning service. The small fees for this are negligible compared to the potential water damage which often result from improper drainage.
A properly functioning gutter set-up.
2. Check the Sealant Joints at Windows and Doors. The sealant (sometimes in this context improperly referred to as “caulk”) around your windows and doors fulfills a critical role in keeping your home dry. Most sealants require a minimum of 24 hours at a temperature over 40°F to cure properly, so now is likely the last opportunity apply these products before the onset of winter. We recommend homeowners take a quick walk around the house to observe the tiny joints surrounding windows and doors. Sealant should be repaired or replaced wherever gaps are noted. As a general rule, latex, silicone and polyurethane sealants are not compatible with one another. Cut out a piece of the sealant to take to the store and ask someone if you are not sure what type you have. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the product tube and always use the right sealant when making spot repairs.
Even small gaps in sealant joints can permit substantial amounts of water to enter a home, particularly when snow sits up against them and then eventually melts.
3. Drain and Cover the Hose Spigots. All external hose spigots (sometimes referred to as bibs or faucets) should be drained and the interior valves leading to these spigots closed whenever possible. Failure to drain an exterior spigot can cause water trapped in the supply pipe to freeze and then burst, often leading to major water damage within the walls and interior of the home. Here in Colorado where we experience rapid temperature changes within short periods of time, we highly recommend the installation of freeze-resistant spigots. Lastly, install faucet protectors to help keep ice and debris out of your exterior spigots.
Inexpensive, reusable faucet protectors and can help protect your exterior spigots from freezing, but they are not a substitute for draining the lines!
4. Test the Furnace, Before You Need It! Check your filter(s) and replace them if needed. Start the system up on a cooler day to ensure it is working before you really need it. If the system requires service, it’s best to know early when you can schedule the repair in advance. Anyone who has tried to get an HVAC contractor out in the middle of winter can attest to the additional cost and headache. If you have not had the furnace serviced in the recent years (or just don’t know when it was serviced last) consider taking advantage of one of the many “Winterization Specials” offered by local HVAC contractors at this time of year. Furnaces are expensive to replace and often system failure results from simple neglect.
Routine furnace service will save you money and ensure your home is comfortable in the middle of winter.
5. Say Goodbye to the AC. Now is the time to remove any window AC units and check the window frames for damage. Exterior AC condensers should have the fins cleaned out and then be covered to prevent ice and debris from entering the unit. However, make sure your exterior condenser is just that – an AC unit – never cover a heat pump! If you have an evaporative (swamp) cooler, don’t neglect to drain the unit and then install the winter filters and cover the unit in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you are not sure what kind of system you have or what needs to be done, ask your home inspector or check with an HVAC contractor.
Exterior condenser units like this should be cleaned and then covered during the winter months.
6. Have the Fireplace Inspected and the Chimney Cleaned. Creosote buildup in chimneys results in over 20,000 home fires within the US each year. If you have a fireplace, contact a chimney sweep to have it cleaned and inspected before using it. Ensure that gas-fired fireplaces have the flame jets properly adjusted in order to reduce carbon build-up and ensure efficiency.
Only a clean and properly functioning fireplace is a safe fireplace.
7. Seal the Garage Door & Jambs. Prevent substantial cold air infiltration by ensuring that your garage door is seated properly to the garage floor. Observe the gasket along the bottom and make sure it is slightly compressed against the ground while the door is closed. Inspect the bottom of the jambs (sides of the door frame) for rot, as this is a damage-prone area can allow the unwanted entry of air, water, insects or even wildlife.
Garage door jambs are particularly susceptible to moisture damage.
These 7 preventative care items can typically be accomplished within an afternoon or contracted through an appropriate professional services company for reasonable rates. In the long run, it is much more cost effective to perform routine maintenance before winter hits.
From all of us at AFI, have a wonderful Fall!