Now is the time to prep your home's exterior for winter

With winter just around the corner, now is a good time to check the exterior of your home in preparation for the colder weather. Some points to consider include:

Gutter cleaning

Be sure your gutters and down spouts are clear of any debris. Clogged gutters can detach due to weight, and cause water damage to your roof, home and landscaping.

Exterior faucets

Shut off the valve to your exterior faucets and drain the excess water in the line to keep pipes from freezing, expanding and breaking. Be sure to turn the water off at the shutoff valve.

Gardens

Survey the exterior living areas and take note of any tree limbs that are close to your home and patios as they are prone to detaching during high winds or under the weight from snow and ice. Check with your local arbourist or landscape company for pruning tips or bring it to the attention of your strata.

Decking

Pack away any seasonal furniture or planters stored on your deck. Debris or dirt can accumulate around the edges, making for tougher scrubbing in the spring, particularly with metal accessories that can cause rust. Be sure to remove organic matter before it starts to decompose, as leaves can stain vinyl decking and can be difficult to remove.

It’s a good idea to wash your deck with a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. While you may want to brush this one off, you can make your spring clean a lot easier if you scrub down before winter.

No matter what product you use to clean your deck, make sure it is compatible with the decking surface, and to rinse well so there is no chemical residue remaining.

Renovation Tip:

If you have been considering a deck renovation, don’t wait until spring or summer when deck builders are at their busiest. Start the conversation now to get an estimate on your decking project and access to the best installers, with potential cost savings and speedier timelines.

For other renovation and home maintenance tips, check out www.gvhba.org