If you have home improvements to do before it gets colder, now is the time. Do you know the old saying, “make hay while the sun shines”? It means fixing problems when the conditions are best rather than waiting for them to get worse. Just like making hay, fixing household problems tends to be easier before weather conditions get harsh.
It’s a great idea to give your whole home a maintenance check while the weather is still favorable. Naturally, preventing problems before they occur is the best kind of property management. But where to start? Here are a few pointers for home improvements to do before it gets colder.
Home Improvements To Do Before Winter Sets In
1. The Roof
There’s another variant on that saying, “fix the roof while the sun shines”! If your roof is prone to leaks, inspect it before the rainy season. It’s far easier to plug a hole or replace materials before they’re soaking wet.
Roof damage might be difficult to notice, so it’s well worth getting a roof inspection from a professional. Of course, the best time to fix roofing issues also depends on your location.
For example, if you’re based in Spokane, Washington, the summer months are long and dry. Finding quality Spokane roofing contractors to check and repair your roof is an excellent idea before the onset of winter.
Wherever you are, roofing issues are a serious matter. Be diligent and call a professional to assess your roof for peace of mind.
2. Windows and Doors
If the roof is your primary protection against the elements, then windows and doors are a close second. Gaps and cracks in windows will let cold air, moisture, and rainfall into your home.
The good news is that the windows aren’t too hard to seal. Also, if your windows are single-glazed, now might be a good time to consider upgrading. Double-glazing keeps adverse weather out far more efficiently and helps reduce background noise.
Doors can also develop cracks, and wooden doors, in particular, are vulnerable to warping. This condition results from significant changes in temperature and humidity. While wood doors look great, keep an eye on any maintenance that they may need.
3. The Garden
If you’re a keen gardener, you know the hazards that a changing climate can pose to your plants. Some plants are hardy year-round, but some don’t weather the winter months well. Excessive rain and cold can destroy some plants that would survive well enough indoors.
Keeping an eye out for the first frost and plunging temperatures can make a huge difference. Get those precious flowers indoors at the first sign of danger.
4. The HVAC System
At the height of summer, the last thing anyone wants to think about is central heating. It doesn’t exist; we have no use for it, even thinking about it makes us unbearably hot.
Still, we’re glad when it’s there for us in the winter. Getting your heating system checked over before the real cold sets in is good practice, especially if it’s been a couple of years since it the last maintenance check. If the heating breaks in freezing temperatures, it’s uncomfortable and can be harder to find a quick call out in extreme conditions.
5. Beds and Blankets
Many of us opt for lighter coverings in the summer. But, we look forward to thick, plush bedding ready for the winter. Plus, shopping is less fun in the cold season, and that’s when the prices for these items shoot up.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of a few simple issues while it’s still sunny can save you a massive headache in winter. Keep on top of your home care and fix that roof while the sun shines!
Images Courtesy of Canva.
5 Improvements that Add Value to Your Home
5 Tips for Winter Home Improvements