Our newsletter now contains a new section to help you around your house.  We will have articles featuring home maintenance and improvement tips from our volunteer construction crew members, building & trades vendors and staff. 

As the chill of the fall air is upon us there are several things you should do now before the really cold air of winter sets in.
1.)  Disconnect all hoses from outdoor spigots. Drain hoses thoroughly and store in a dry place.
2.)  If you have combination storm windows, raise the screen and lower the storm window. Better now than discovering in mid February the source where all the cold air is coming from.

3.)  Did you know heating accounts for almost half of the average family’s winter energy bill?  Furnaces and chimneys should be inspected by a professional every year before their first use to ensure they are clean and safe and running efficiently.  If you have a forced air heating system, start the heating season with a new filter in the furnace. Dust still collects on the filter throughout the summer.  Don’t forget to change out the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
4.)  Ice damming is the build-up of ice at the bottom of the roof line from the natural freeze/thaw cycle of winter time.  If this occurs, melting snow on the roof cannot spill off the house and instead will back up under the roof shingles and into the house. If you have ice damming, it’s important to keep the snow three or four feet away from the edge of the roof line. A long handled roof rake is the appropriate tool for this job. Do not climb on a snow covered roof. To prevent this in the future, contact a roofer about ice damming measures that can be taken.
5.)  Determine who will be responsible for snow removal on walkways and driveways. If you plan on hiring someone, now is the time to make these arrangements.  Purchase your supply of salt and sand now before the rush.  Don’t forget to station a broom and snow shovel by each exterior door. When the snow arrives, you’ll be glad it’s there.
6.)  Clean leaves and other debris from your gutters to keep melting ice and snow flowing away from your roof.  Now is the time to install any heat tape if necessary.
7.)  If you use a snow blower or a tractor with a plow contact a professional now to have it serviced and ready in time for that surprise Halloween snow fall.
Once your home is ready for winter you can sit back and enjoy all the special moments the season has to offer