I just got off the phone with a client whose pipes burst in the recent winter blast that nailed Seattle's Eastside communities and surrounding areas. He, like many others (including myself) had been caught off guard, totally unprepared for the fury that old man winter delivered to us. The conversation reminded me to take care of all the winterizing necessities during this mild break we are in. Here is a list of 10 quick, inexpensive MUST DO's, you can do to winterize before you get surprised by the next big storm!
1) Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace! (this is no joke! My in laws almost died from a carbon monoxide leak through the heat exchanger in the furnace.)
2) Check and repair all the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors in your house.
3) Visually inspect your chimney and call a sweep if needed. Check for creosote build up and mortar cracks.
4) Inspect and replace if necessary window and door weather stripping.
5) Make sure your pipes are wrapped and spigots insulated. Also, now is a good time to make sure you know where your main water shut-off is located.
6) Get in your attic when its raining. Check the underside of the sheathing for water marks or stains. If found, get a roofer out to inspect and repair your roof.
7) Inspect your crawl space. Now that its been raining is the time to check. If you have water build up get it removed and fixed.
8) Clean out your gutters and downspouts. Water needs to drain out and away from your house. Over flowing gutters will rot your fascia and other components of your home.
9) Insulate your attic. Visually inspect your attics roofing. If it looks thin throw some insulation up there.
10) Prepare and Emergency kit. Check out 3 days 3 ways website.
Good luck and this time, be prepared!
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