Winterizing Checklist

After cleaning the gutters, use a silicone or gutter caulk to seal each and every joint, seam and end cap on the gutters.

You look outside one day and it's bright and sunny and the next day snow begins to cover the leaves you forgot to rake. That's right, winter is just around the corner and you need to get your home ready.

Take this list and check:

1. Rain gutters: After cleaning the gutters use a silicone or gutter caulk to seal each and every joint, seam and end cap on the gutters. Most gutters leak and leaky gutters can lead to foundation damage or leaky basements. Make sure the downspouts lead at least 6 feet away from the foundation. If you have buried drains check to see if the downspout is still inside the drain opening next to the foundation, then find where the drain empties and make sure the opening is not clogged or damaged.

2. Wood that rests on concrete or is near the ground can wick water and rot with the damage hidden behind a thin layer of paint. Probing the wood with a long thin screwdriver will reveal the hidden damage. Also probe wooden windowsills for signs of rot. Remove damaged or wet wood and use a wood filler to make repairs. You can usually sand and paint the repairs the same day.

3. Also check wood floors just inside patio and exit doors for signs of water entry. Probe through the carpet or check under the doors from the basement or crawl space area for signs of dampness. Look for rotting sub-flooring, floor joists and sill plates (the wood that rests on the foundation wall). If possible, check behind the insulation for signs of rotting or infestation. Vinyl floor covering can be discolored from mildew trapped between the vinyl and wet sub-flooring.

4. Caulk and seal around window and door openings. Fill cracks and openings in oncrete drives, walks and patios.

5. Have the chimney cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep. Store fire wood two to three feet off the ground and away from the home's foundation. Wood piles invite unwanted guests all year long.

6. Pools, fountains and lawn sprinkling systems need to be closed and winterized. Garden hoses should be drained and stored inside. If you have shut-offs for the outside hose faucets, they need to be closed for winter. Do not leave a garden hose connected to an outside faucet. Even an anti-freeze faucet will freeze and eventually leak if a hose is left connected all winter.

7. Have the heating system and flue inspected by a qualified heating technician. It is very important to change or clean the furnace filter on a regular basis. If the furnace has a built-in humidifier, have the humidifier cleaned. Treat the humidifier each month during the heating season to resist mold growth inside the air system.

8. Drain the gasoline from lawn mowers, weed eaters, etc. Remove grass, dirt and all debris and store for winter. Stuff a paper towel in the gas tank, leaving enough of the towel exposed so the towel can later be removed. Store the equipment with the gas lid off. The tank has to be drained with no gasoline or gasoline fumes present before the paper towel is stuffed inside. The towel keeps the inside of the tank dry and ready for next spring. Never store gasoline or equipment containing gasoline inside the home, garage or basement.

9. If you are susceptible to molds, wear a painter's mask when raking leaves. Wet and damp leaves may form small patches of molds that are released into the air when the leaves are disturbed. Inhaling the mold's spores can cause headaches and breathing difficulties to those of us with allergies.

   (Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home-improvement questions at PO Box 268, Evansville, IN 47702 or send him e-mail at d.barnett@insightbb.com.)

Resources
American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
To locate an American Society of Home Inspectors inspector near you, call or visit the website of ASHI.
American Society of Home Inspectors
Website: www.ashi.org