Winterize Your Home Before It's Too Late

HouseMaster Offers Tips to Ease the Seasonal Transition From Fall to Winter


BOUND BROOK, NJ--(Marketwire - November 8, 2010) -  With the autumn chill already in the air, HouseMaster, the first and oldest home inspection franchise system in North America, is reminding homeowners to properly safeguard their homes against the cold.

"Regardless of where you live, the cooling fall air inevitably gives way to colder conditions and, as temperatures begin to dip, homes require maintenance," said Kathleen Kuhn, president of the 30-year-old company. "With proper maintenance and upkeep, homeowners can greatly cut down on energy expenditures, and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs, while creating a more comfortable living environment when the winter elements are outside their front door."

Here are several tips to protect your home -- both inside and out -- and ease the seasonal transition from fall to winter:

Exterior Surfaces

  • Check weather tightness of all exterior surfaces and components
  • Caulk and seal all joints in siding, and around windows and doors
  • Check and seal any foundation cracks
  • Improve/replace weather stripping at exterior doors and windows as needed

Roof

  • Check and clean all gutters and downspouts
  • Check flashings for signs of lifting or damage and repair as needed
  • Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing

Grounds

  • Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for debris or blockage
  • Trim all trees and shrubs that are too close to the house
  • Drain and store garden hoses

Interior Rooms

  • Have any fireplaces or wood stoves and flues checked and professionally cleaned
  • Reset automatic timers for the change in daylight hours
  • Check all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries

Heating/Cooling Systems

  • Clean or change the filter on furnaces periodically (at least once a month)
  • Check heating and cooling systems for any evidence of water leaks
  • Clean and test the humidifier

Plumbing

  • Drain exterior water lines and open taps
  • Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing
  • Check the system and fixtures for evidence of water leaks or blocked drains
  • Confirm proper operation of any sump pumps and free flow of the drain line

For more home maintenance tips and information about HouseMaster and franchise opportunities in your area, please visit www.housemaster.com or call (800) 526-3930.

About HouseMaster
Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With 371 franchise locations throughout the United States and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.