How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

1. Inspect Your Roof

Even though Florida does not receive snowfall, the colder winter weather can still cause potential damage to your roof. High winds and heavy rain can cause strain, plus excess leaves or debris could clog gutters and create build-up. If you're looking to sell your home in the near future, a damaged roof may significantly lower your home’s value. It will also be easier and cheaper to take action now before any problems start to arise in the colder months. Schedule a roof inspection and have a professional thoroughly inspect your roof’s condition and make recommendations. Make sure they also check for missing or loose shingles, blocked gutters or potential sources of mold and decay.

3. Prevent Water Damage

Take preemptive measures to minimize or prevent water damage before the temperature falls. Clear your gutters out to ensure that any precipitation flows cleanly. Obstructed gutters can result in dams which can damage your roof or cause water to leak inside. Check for signs of rusting or damage and replace if necessary.

5. Clean Your Chimney

It's important to have your chimney checked at least once a year. Not only will a blocked or damaged chimney heat your home unevenly and increase your utility bill, it is also a potential fire hazard. You can try to clean your chimney and fireplace out yourself, but there are plenty of chimney cleaning companies you can hire to inspect and clear your chimney and fireplace.

7. Make a Final Safety Check

After covering these major tasks, run a general safety check on other items in your home. Inspect the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector and replace as needed. Check the pressure of your fire extinguisher and have it refilled if necessary. Finally, take a good look at your first aid kit and restock or replace items you have used. If you keep emergency goods or bottled water for winter emergencies, check the expiration dates and replenish your supplies as needed.