At RIGGS Company & Design, we love the fall and winter season. From Friday night lights at Lyons Stadium to Saturday morning strolls through the Kirkwood Farmers Market—the winter months are always merry here in Kirkwood.
As we inch closer to the winter months, we thought we would offer up a few tips that would help you prepare your home for Jack Frost’s bite. Winter Maintenance Tips
#1 Chimney – Before you have your first fire of the season, it is important that you first have your chimney cleaned out by a professional chimney sweeper. Failing to do so can cause buildup of creosote in the chimney, which is combustible and leads to many fires
#2 Windows – While we encourage checking your windows before the beginning of each season, it is especially important during the cold months. Heat often escapes around the window frames. Make sure that all latches work, the edges are properly caulked and that the glass is not cracked.
#3 Ventilation – Check to make sure the vents are clear and that your furnace will run. If it has been a few months, be sure to replace or clean your air filter too.
#4 Downspouts – We suggest adding extensions to your downspouts so that water runs at least 4 feet away from the foundation. Also consider having the downspouts drain away from driveways or sidewalks in the winter to prevent ice buildup and possible falls!
#5 Exterior Faucets – It is extremely important that you make sure all of the water is drained from your exterior faucets. Sitting water in pipes can freeze, which will cause your pipes to expand and possibly burst. Start by disconnecting all hoses and draining the water that remains in faucets.
#6 Gutters – Check to make sure the gutters are clean and free of all debris before the snow and ice sets in. Clogged gutters can trap water, snow, and ice and lead to a buildup of ice we call an “ice dam”. When this happens water can actually travel up under your roof shingles and cause damage to the plywood, get into the attic, and even into the house!
Need helping getting your home in tip-top shape before winter? RIGGS can help! Call or email us today to schedule your inspection.
