Fall & Winter To Do's for your Digs

In the Northeast there are maintenance jobs that should be completed every fall and winter to prevent costly repairs and will keep your digs in tip-top condition.

• Clean your gutters. Leaving debris in your gutters can cause damage in more ways than just one. Not only can it freeze and damage the gutters, but it also can force freezing water up and under your shingles and damage the roof. Also know that if you have a covered gutter system, fine organic material or grit from the roof can still build up. Expect to pay $100-$250 for gutter cleaning by your gutter or landscape professional.


• Clean and put away yard and patio equipment. Garden tools, hoses, nozzles, patio furniture, fountains, birdbaths - any of these might be damaged by snow and ice and should be brought in for the winter. If you have a lawn mover; run the machine until the gas tank is empty. Gas left in the tank over winter can cause damage to the machine in several different ways.


• Disconnect hoses and winterize lawn irrigation systems. Leaving water in any exterior hoses or pipes can cause them to freeze and burst. Be sure to turn off the water manually at the shutoff valve inside the house so water doesn't stand in the wall pipes. If you have an irrigation system, make sure all the water has drained from the system before the first freeze. Depending on the type of system-this may require the assistance of your landscape professional. A pro charges $50-$150 to winterize an irrigation system.


• Schedule a furnace tune-up. This should include an inspection of the filters, checking the chimney exhaust, and examining the blower and fuel connections.


• Protect your air conditioning unit. If your outdoor air conditioning unit is located under trees, or where icicles and snow may fall, give it a little protection by placing a sheet of plywood over the top and draping a drop cloth over it. Don't create a fully enclosed space, as rodents and moisture can collect in the area!


• Close your storm windows. This is an easy step to forget! Make sure the windows are shut properly-outer pane is up and the inner pane is down.

Spending a weekend or two on maintenance can prevent costly repairs and alert you to developing problems. Call me at (781) 223-8914 if you need a referral for a professional to help you with any of these items.