Fall is a really good time to start thinking about maintaining your condominium, as well as getting it ready for colder weather. Here are a few ideas to get ready for the winter and protect your investment:
HVAC
- Most heating and air systems typically last 12 to 15 years, and this primarily has to do with how they’re maintained. Before the weather turns cold, take time to change all filters, and have the system inspected by a reputable HVAC contractor. Have the contractor check your system and make sure your heat is going to work when you need it.
Exterior
- All of the wood trim on the exterior of your condominium needs to be protected from the elements. If you have a deck, the wood used here is typically a pressure-treated or rot-resistant species of wood. However, the wood trim around your exterior doors and windows is just a one-inch-thick pine board that deteriorates very quickly if not protected. Replacing this trim can be costly and difficult to complete. Even professionals can struggle with making the repair look good. The best thing to do is to make sure it doesn’t rot in the first place, and that means keeping it painted and caulked. This is a great DIY project! Once the wood is rotted and requires replacement, you’re probably going to need to hire a good trim carpenter to tackle the job. Instead, take the time to go around the exterior of your condominium and make sure that none of the caulk is cracking and that the paint is not chipping and flaking away. If it is, scrape away the bad paint or caulk and apply fresh.
Drainage
- Make sure the soil around your condominium’s foundation hasn’t settled and created areas for water to pool at the foundation. If you find a low spot, simply fill it in with some soil. This is a great time to check your rain gutter downspouts to make sure water is getting moved away from your home. Add downspout extenders if necessary. Saturated soil around a foundation can create real problems as it freezes and thaws throughout the winter months.
Gutters
- Once most of the leaves have fallen off the trees, it’s time to clean your gutters. When your gutters back up they will overflow, and that water runs down into the walls of your home, speeding up the deterioration of your exterior and foundation.
Completing these projects are just a few of the ways you can update your condominium for winter weather. If you need assistance with other projects of this kind, call us here at Ascension General Contractors today. We are a full-service repair company.
