It’s getting to that time of the year when coats come out of storage, the days get shorter, and Minnesotans prepare for many months indoors. Before heading inside for the winter, however, there some important maintenance steps to check off around your home if you want to be prepared for the season.

  • Clean your gutters and downspouts. Build-up of debris in those areas could worsen your chances of ice dams in the winter if the melting snow doesn’t have anywhere to go. Also check where the downspouts are going and that the ground isn’t sinking in towards your home. If it is, just fill it with dirt.
  • Replace the sealant around your windows or doors if it has degraded over time. This will help keep the winter chill out and all of your warm air in, which also saves you money.
  • Since hot air rises, a lot of homeowners don’t go into their attics during the summer. Once the weather cools down, go up to check that there are no water stains from recent leaks, mold, insulation damage, or pest problems.
  • Clean your chimney before turning it on for the season. Fireplaces that aren’t well-maintained are at risk of fire due to all the build-up that naturally happens. Annual inspections/cleanings are your best way to prevent fires.
  • Turn off, drain, and cover any fountains, pools, or other water features around your home. This protects them better from the harsh, winter weather.
  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. During the winter, families are blasting the furnace and keeping indoors, so these tools are important for monitoring your air quality.
  • One of the most important tasks to do before winter: getting experts to inspect the roof for storm damage. Even if you think your roof looks fine with no huge indicators, it could still be damaged from natural events like hail and wind. Our storm damage restoration specialists are trained to expertly inspect roofs/siding, recommend a solution, and help with the insurance claim. Plus, we can help with clearing off your roof if you’re not comfortable getting up there. Debris like leaves and branches will carry moisture and could cause mold growth or rot in the shingles.

Robinson Construction Inc. are licensed, bonded, and insured expert contractors that specialize in storm damage repair for your home. If you suspect your home has suffered some roof or siding damage after our storm-heavy summer, call us soon to get it checked out before winter hits.