Six Easy Steps to Winterize Your Home This Season

 Although the Southern California winters are not as extreme as other parts of the country, it is essential to take the proper steps to maintain your home and minimize damages.  These six easy steps will help protect your home and ensure peace of mind this winter.
Step 1: Clean your roof and check for damages
Making sure your roof is cleared of fallen leaves and pine needles can save you a lot of pain in the future.  Leaves and pine needles retain moisture and can cause water build up.  This can lead to the degradation of your shingles.  Prevent this by cleaning your roof and blow away unwanted debris.  Double check for any damages, and get repairs completed before the first rain of the season.
Step 2: Caulk around windows and doors
Check all of the wood trim around your windows and doors to make sure it is sealed. Over time, the heat and dryness of the California weather will cause the caulking to crack and peel, leaving these areas of the home vulnerable to leaks.
Step 3: Remove leaves from rain gutters
Check all of your rain gutters and make sure they are clear of leaves.  Leaves in your rain gutters will cause water overflow and deteriorate the wood trim around your house.  Clearing your rain gutters is an easy way to prevent this type of damage to your property and will save you in the long run.
Step 4:  Check and clean your chimney flues for backed up soot
Before you get your fires burning this season check your chimney flues for build-up of soot.  This build-up can prevent the proper ventilation of your chimney, which can lead to carbon monoxide creeping back into your house.  Get these cleaned out and swept as soon as possible.
Step 5: Inspect your furnace, change filter, and check carbon-monoxide and smoke alarms
Keeping your furnace maintained allows it to work at its maximum HVAC efficiency and ensures there are no carbon monoxide leaks.  Make sure the filter is changed and while you are at it, check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly.
Step 6: Mulch Leaves instead of Raking
Mulching leaves during the fall can help keep your lawns nourished for the winter.  This allows the leaves to fall between the grass blades and decompose, giving your lawn plenty of nourishment.  This saves you time and energy from raking in bags full of those fall leaves.
Randal G. Winter Construction, Inc. is located at 28348 Constellation Road, Unit 810 in Santa Clarita. To schedule your appointment please call 661-799-8089. Visit our website at: www.rgwinter.com.