Although fall and winter can seem like relaxing seasons in Arkansas, it can be very challenging to prepare for the cold weather and storms that can affect your home. Coldwell Banker RPM Group has some tips that will help you get ready for the fall and winter seasons, allowing you to be prepared for whatever the weather may bring. These tips can typically be done on a weekend. Whether you live in Cabot, Conway, Hot Springs, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Saline County, or surrounding areas, these steps will help minimize the damage that winter weather can do to your home in Arkansas.
Clean your gutters
It's important to do this every season, but just prior to winter may be the most critical time. If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow or winter precipitation (see: ice storms and sleet in Arkansas), your home may have to bear the additional weight on top of your gutters.
One of the most important reasons why it's important to clean your gutters is that failure to do so could lead to water damage. As the ice and snow melt, they can refreeze and affect your home. Having somewhere to keep the water away from your house can prevent it from damaging your structure, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Check your heating and air conditioning system
Most air and heating systems are usually able to last for about 12 to 15 years. However, some systems may seem like they're already dead, but they can still function for up to 20 years. This is because they're maintained properly, and with the ever-changing weather in Arkansas, you want your HVAC system in tip-top shape.
Before the cold weather starts to arrive, make sure that your filters are changed. Having a reputable HVAC company come out to inspect your system will help prevent unforeseen problems. Having an annual maintenance agreement is additionally important to ensure that your heating and cooling system is working properly. It's much better to have an issue with your system during the fall rather than in the winter.
Recaulk your windows and doors
Every year, make sure that your doors and windows are resealed to prevent heat loss and water damage. A tube or gun of exterior and interior caulk will set you back around $20, and you can easily do it in an afternoon.
The only way to seal your windows and doors is to use exterior silicone caulk. This type of material is less affected by the effects of extreme temperatures and will not shrink or expand as the seasons change.
To apply the sealant on your windows and doors, cut a circular pad that's about 1/2 inch thick using your gun. Turn the handle and insert the tube into the gun, and the circular pad will be pressed tightly to the tube. Once the force is applied, the sealant will start to come out of the hole that you've created.
To start, apply a thin layer of sealant across the window or door molding. Using a rubber-gloved finger, lightly press the material down to spread it out. This will help fill the small cracks and crevices.
Check your drainage
Areas of water can be created around your foundation if the soil around it has settled and created small dips. If you find a low spot, fill it with soil, and make sure that the water is moving away from your home. If you have rain gutters, make sure that they are working properly. Saturated soil can cause problems if it freezes and thaws during the winter.
Get your roof inspected
This is the most important step that you should take when preparing your house for winter. Having your local roofing company come out to inspect your roof will allow them to find broken or loose shingles. Most contractors can do the minor repairs in less than a day. It’s money well spent, and neglecting your home during the winter could lead to costly repairs.
Winter weather is notorious for wreaking havoc on Arkansas roofs, so it’s important you repair any damage before your roof gets its toughest test: packed winter precipitation, including snow, sleet, and ice.
Get your chimney inspected
Before you start building the fires that will warm your home in the coming weeks, make sure that your chimney is in good condition—even if wood is not your primary source of heat and you only use your fireplace for aesthetic purposes. Many home fires are caused by chimneys. Having a professional chimney sweep company inspect and clean your chimney can help identify potential problems.
Check your trees
If you’ve lived in Arkansas long enough, you know how bad winter precipitation affects your trees and causes all sorts of damage. During cold months, heavy ice and snow can cause tree branches to break under the weight. Since Arkansas experiences ice storms, you should consider cutting back the branches that are over your home to avoid damaging your roof. Ice-coated branches can cause severe damage to your home's roof if they fall through. If you're not able to do this yourself, a tree surgeon or landscaping company can inspect your trees and make necessary repairs to keep your home safe.
Take the time to prepare your home
Neglected houses can quickly deteriorate, and it is important to protect your investment by taking the time to care for them. Fall is also a great time to start preparing your home for winter. We hope this checklist helps to prepare your home for fall and winter, and potentially save you money and frustration in the future.
Looking to buy or sell a home? Contact an agent at Coldwell Banker RPM Group! We're here to help you through every step of the process, from finding the perfect home to negotiating the best price. Let us put our experience and expertise to work for you! Click here to find an agent near you in Central Arkansas.