Home Maintenance Checklist for Winter

With winter officially upon us, it is time to ensure your home is ready to make it through the cooler months and weather that we will soon experience. Although the weather has not been too bad thus far into the year, snow storms and frigid temperatures will soon be upon us. To take care of your home at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is important to take a few steps to maintain it for the winter months. Below you can find a winter maintenance checklist, provided by your trusted real estate agent in Lake Ozark, Missouri.

Remove Roof & Gutter Debris

Take time to clean out your gutters and any other nuts, twigs, or leaves from your roof. Removing debris can improve draining as snow gathers on your roof and melts.

Look at the Trees

Look up around your home for signs of damaged trees or limbs near your home. An ice or snow storm can put additional weight on these branches, causing them to break. If you home is under one of these limbs, your roof can be damaged by it falling. If you notice a potential tree issue around your home, have a professional cut down the limb or tree.

Clean the Fireplace

Before lighting your fireplace, ensure the chimney is clear of all debris and cleaned out for the winter. Debris build up can become flammable and cause a fire inside your home.

Unhook Garden Hoses

If you have not already done so, ensure your outdoor garden hoses are removed from the faucets. This can help prevent a pipe from freezing, causing major water damage to your home.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise during the winter months. This helps to disperse warm air from the furnace throughout the room. A reverse switch can be found on the fan motor for an easy switch in the direction the fan turns.

Prepare the Entryway

With snow, dirt, and salt being tracked into your home, it is a good idea to protect your entryway before a big snow storm hits the area. The grime tracked in on shoes can damage the tile, wood, or carpet in your doorway. If you have a hard surface in your entryway, it is a good idea to keep plenty of rugs down for optimum traction for wet and slick shoes.

Scoop the Snow

Even if there is no snow in the immediate forecast, prepare your home by purchasing ice melt and having your snow shovel handy. Often times, the weather in Missouri is unpredictable and a storm can show up with little to no warning. Be prepared to keep your driveway and/or sidewalk scooped off this winter.

Inspect Windows & Doors

Take a look at the doors and windows around your home for any air leaks. If cold air is entering your home, the openings need weather stripping or calk added to seal the opening. This can help keep the inside of your home warm this winter, by keeping the cold air outside.

Now that you have the winter maintenance check list for your home, you are ready to mark these tasks off your list! From snow storms to ice, winter brings about cold temperature and freezing precipitation. Take some time to protect and prevent your home from experiencing damage during the winter months. You will be thankful you took some of these precautionary measures to get your home ready for the winter weather. Whether you plan to stay in your home for years to come or wish to sell your home at the Lake of the Ozarks soon, it is important to maintain your house, especially during the winter months.

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868
Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484