Please continue to learn more details about how to protect your home in winter. For Part One, Read Here.
Inspect Your Fireplace
A visual inspection, both inside and outside your home, can ensure that your wood-burning fireplace is ready to rock and roll this winter.
During an outdoor inspection, make sure:
- A chimney cap is present and in good condition.
- There is no bird nest or debris buildup on the cap.
- There are no tree limbs above or near the chimney.
- The mortar and bricks on the chimney aren’t crumbling or missing.
- The chimney rises at least 2 feet above where it exits the roof.
- The chimney crown — the sloping cement shoulders at the top of the chimney — is beveled, which helps air flow.
- The flue liner is visible above the chimney crown.
- The chimney is plumb and not leaning to one side or the other.
- The roof flashing is tight against the chimney.
Inside your home, confirm that:
- The flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly.
- There are no combustible materials, such as animal nests, or other foreign objects in the flue.
- The fireplace surround, hearth, and firebox have no cracked bricks or missing mortar.
If you spot any damage, order a professional fireplace and chimney inspection. An inspection costs, on average, between $79 and $500, depending on whether you’re ordering a level-one or level-two inspection.
Gas fireplaces require less maintenance, but you should still:
- Inspect the glass doors for cracks or latch issues.
- Check that the gas logs are in the proper position.
- Turn gas off at the shut-off valve and test the igniter.
- Ignite the fire and look for clogged burner holes. If present, turn off gas and clear obstructions with a pin or needle.
Be sure to check “SALTER’S SOURCES” on Karen’s Website for A list of recommended service providers.
Check the Roof
You certainly don’t want to find out you have a leaky roof after the first icy rain, or snow hits. A roof inspection can help you spot any potential issues. Squeamish about heights? Don’t worry — you can do a thorough inspection from the ground using a pair of binoculars.
Work your way around your house, looking for these defects:
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Missing or broken shingles.
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic.
Some roofing fixes are easy to do yourself, such as repairing shingles or calking flashing, if you’re comfortable working on a roof. If you’re not, you’ll want to consult a specialized roof inspector. Be prepared to pay between $119 and $296 for a standard roof inspection.
Be sure to check “SALTER’S SOURCES” on Karen’s Website for A list of recommended Roofing Companies.
Clear Out Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can damage your home’s foundation or cause ice dams, which can lead to expensive repairs. So, after the leaves have fallen, clean your gutters to remove leaves, twigs, and gunk. Also, make sure the gutters aren’t sagging and trapping water, tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets, and replace any worn or damaged materials.
Be sure to check “SALTER’S SOURCES” on Karen’s Website for a list of recommended service providers.
So take a few days now to winterize your home, and protect your investment. Because even in the mild North Atlanta winters, significant damage can occur.
Want to learn more about living in Atlanta or Lake Oconee, please contact Karen today. She would love to help you on your real estate journey!
