We’re ready for winter, are you?

 

Now that fall is formally here, it’s time to start preparing your property for the winter season.

New England winters can be incredibly unpredictable, especially on Cape Cod.

 

               For this reason, E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.’s Property Management Division recommends adopting these top 5 steps into your winter preparation plan. 

 

Schedule a preventative maintenance appointment for your heating system and generator. The last thing you need is your furnace to malfunction on the first cold night. Check all the HVAC filters and vents to make sure you are breathing in clean air. When it snows, keep snow clear of your exterior heating and dryer vents. 

 

Turn off water to all docks, exterior spigots, outdoor showers, and irrigation systems. This simple step will prevent a plumbing disaster that’s just waiting to happen. If the outside water is not turned off water can freeze in the pipes and even cause the water lines to burst. That is one costly mess that is not easy to fix!

 

Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause damage in multiple ways; the frozen water can weigh them down until they sag, crack, or even fall off. The water can overflow and freeze causing leaks and irreversible damage to the roof and siding. The frozen overflow can also form sharp icicles that droop creating a dangerous situation. 

 

Inspect and test every smoke and  carbon monoxide in your home. Replace smoke detectors every 10 years and carbon monoxide detector every 5-7 years. To keep your detectors in safe working order, vacuum any dust buildup to keep the unit clean. Also, if your detectors are battery powered, change the batteries every 6 months for optimal performance. 

 

Examine your roof, siding, and exterior walls. There are many places where your home can be exposed to the outside elements. Seal up all openings as needed. Also, check for loose shingles and replace if necessary. 

 

E.J. Jaxtimer Builder, Inc.’s Property Management Division provides all of these services and more to our current property management clients. To learn more about all of the services we provide, visit www.jaxtimer.com/class-services/property-management.