Our homes need us, as much as we need them. Where we live can really deteriorate quite quickly when they aren’t getting the attention that they deserve. Homes are an investment for people, and it helps and benefits you to help your investment and protect it. Fall and winter are times when it is a really good idea to start thinking about your home maintenance, as the cold weather can wreak some havoc on your home. So here are some of the things that you can do to make sure that your home is ready for winter, so that you and your home can be really happy.
Check the heating and air conditioning system
A lot of home heating and cooling systems tend to last for quite a number of years. But there are many systems that are going to pack in a lot earlier because they are not maintained well. So before the weather gets too cold, it is a good idea to look after things, and something like changing the filters can make a difference. You don’t want to turn the heating on as soon as you need it and then things don’t start working well. Although a problem is never going to be ideal, it is better to find out that there is an issue with it before you need to use it and the weather turns cold.
Paint, caulk and seal exterior wood
Wood trim on the exterior of your home can be quite delicate, so they really need to be protected from the elements. On things like decking, the wood needs to be pressure-treated usually, unless you have a species of wood that is rot resistant. If it isn’t treated or protected, then it can cause issues when the weather turns cold and things like mold get involved. Other things that you can do is to paint and seal with caulk, any of the exterior wood. It gives it another protecting layer from mold and rot. This is something that is simple and you are likely to be able to do it yourselves. So it is just a case of staying on top of it, especially as winter is coming.
Check your drainage
When winter comes, then precipitation in all different forms will be highly likely. And if there is a problem with the drainage on the outside of your home, then it can lead to puddles and water pooling, which can cause floods and water damage to the foundation of the home if it is left. So checking the outside is a must, and then if you notice any low areas, then fill them with plenty of soil. You should also check your guttering too, to check that all is draining correctly there too. In fall, the leaves can clog up the gutters, and then if rain water gets blocked by them in the gutter, and then the water freezes, it can mean damage to the home and the water will just come back in.
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Jamie
Hey! I’m sorry to leave a comment on this blog entry when it’s about another entry, but it wouldn’t let me leave a comment there. I wondered what color you used here:
https://thepainteddrawer.com/2018/01/how-to-tuesday-create-a-smooth-finish-using-chalk-paint-no-brush-strokes/?utm_source=The+Painted+Drawer&utm_campaign=16512ef0a3-Daily_TPD&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_dc14e26c54-16512ef0a3-21124025
I see an affiliate link for Aubusson blue? But there’s also an affiliate link for Old White…did you use both colors? And if so, how? It’s gorgeous! I’m in the process of using only Old White on a bookshelf and making it smooth with no brush strokes like you taught. I painted 2 coats and they turned yellow along the woodgrain 🙁 So ugly! So I have now coated the entire shelf in Polycrylic and will try again.
Suzanne
Hi Jamie, So sorry for the delay in getting back to you! Here is a link to the original post – https://thepainteddrawer.com/2016/05/farmhouse-table-blues/. I used Aubusson and Provence on that piece. Best of luck with your project. Old White does have yellow in it – I would suggest Pure White if you want a really bright, clean white.