FALL
maintenance musts
By Melissa Erickson
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“It’s important to have
a certified chimney sweep
or inspector check out
your fireplace once a year
before you start using
it in colder weather. A
professional will inspect
for damage and ensure
your fireplace is ready
to operate safely.”
Danny
ny Lipford
Lip
A
s the seasons
change, some people
welcome the cooler
weather and colorful
foliage; others get to work.
There’s plenty to do now to get
your home ready for winter.
“Harsh winter conditions
can wreak havoc on homes that
are unprepared,” said home
expert Danny Lipford, host of
nationally syndicated TV and radio
program “Today’s Homeowner
with Danny Lipford.” “Taking
time to check them off now will
prevent bigger problems later
and give homeowners peace of
mind through the season.”
Getting these jobs done
early can also help you save
money in the long run.
“Fall is also the right time to
6 • 2018 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car
your windows are properly
caulked to seal gaps. Caulking
around windows will also
make the home more energy-
efficient, Lipford said.
Cleaning the gutter is a
dirty and even dangerous
job, but it’s got to be done.
“Clogged gutters prevent
the flow of water and can
have a damming effect on the
home, causing water to back
up into the eaves of the roof.
This can lead to water damage
to the roof itself and walls of
the home,” Lipford said.
Additionally, once winter and
freezing temperatures settle in,
the weight of water trapped in
gutters can cause damage to the
gutter system and roof, he said.
If you’re uncomfortable
climbing high ladders, hire a
professional to clean gutters or for
other jobs above your capability.
“It’s important to have a
certified chimney sweep or
inspector check out your fireplace
once a year before you start using
it in colder weather. A professional
will inspect for damage and
ensure your fireplace is ready to
operate safely,” Lipford said.
Don’t forget
Simple tricks can also make
your home more comfortable
and energy-efficient.
tighten up the envelope of the
“Reversing a ceiling fan
home to save money on winter
to run on low in a clockwise
heating bills,” Lipford said.
direction in winter will gently
circulate hot air that is trapped
Start at the top
near the ceiling,” Lipford said.
The area around the chimney
He also advised not to forget
deserves a thorough inspection.
these fall maintenance musts:
Look for cracks where the
• Clear away branches
flashing meets the chimney
or shrubs from around the
and repair with masonry caulk
outside condenser unit. Ensure
to prevent leaks, Lipford said.
drain line is free and clear.
Up on the roof, any brittle,
• Drain gas from the
broken shingles should be
lawnmower after your last
replaced. “Any loose shingles
mowing for the season. Tune
should be nailed tightly back
up the engine and sharpen the
in place,” Lipford said.
blade so it’s ready for spring.
Fall maintenance also
• Drain lawn irrigation
includes removing all
system to prevent pipe damage
debris from roof valleys.
in freezing weather.
“Allowing debris to remain can
• Test smoke and carbon
cause water to pool in those areas monoxide detectors.
and cause damage, shortening the
• Check weatherstripping
life of your roof,” Lipford said.
for damage and replace if
Water can cause all sorts
needed. This contributes
of home problems, so be sure
to energy-efficiency.