Nikis Cleaning Services in Portland

With winter around the corner, now is the perfect time to perform some important home

maintenance. Not only can preparing your home help you to avoid a slew of potential problems

posed by harsh winter weather, but autumn’s mild weather is ideal for outdoor maintenance. To

get your home ready for the cold months, here are 6 must-do tips to get you started:

1. Make a plan

Before you pick up the tools and start working, it helps to have a plan that you can reference

throughout the process. Make a checklist of all your maintenance tasks, and set goals for when

you want them completed by. Laying out a list will help you envision the whole process, and

checking each item off as you go can help you stay motivated.

2. Mow one last time

You want your last mow of the year to happen before your area starts getting frost on the

ground. Davey notes the goal is to keep your grass about 2 to 2 ½ inches high through winter. If

your grass is high, gradually cut down the height until you get to that sweet spot. While you’re at

it, be sure to trim your shrubs and clean up any dead tree limbs and fallen leaves from the lawn.

3. Consider adding a shed

If you have a bunch of outdoor equipment in your yard, and you don’t have anywhere to keep it

through winter, consider investing in a storage shed. That way, you can ensure your expensive

summertime equipment doesn’t get stolen or damaged by the cold weather.

When you’re choosing a storage shed, compare the differences between wood and steel. Wood

buildings may be more traditional, but steel is stronger and more durable. Plus, The Spruce

notes steel sheds require much less maintenance than wood sheds.

4. Inspect your home’s exterior

There are several elements to check on your home’s exterior before winter. You want to walk

around and take a good look at your roof. If you see any damaged, loose, or missing shingles,

you will want to call in a professional to fix it; otherwise, you’ll be at risk for all kinds of water

damage in the colder months.

Also, check the foundation for severe cracking and other signs that it may be compromised.

Moreover, look for any cracks and holes in your foundation, siding, doors and windows that

could leak warm air from inside. Many cracks and holes can be filled with caulk, but if they’re

bad enough, you will want to call a professional.

5. Seal any indoor cracks/gaps

The same logic applies to the doors and windows inside your home. Look carefully at windows

to determine what might need repair or replacement. If a DIY fix is beyond your scope, a

professional can easily tackle the fix and give you an accurate estimate for repairs. When

looking around, note that if you see any gaps or damaged weatherstripping, you will want to

replace the weatherstripping before the temperature starts dropping. If left unattended to, warm

air can escape, making your HVAC system work harder and your energy bill rise.

6. Check your chimney

Lastly, make sure your chimney is in working order. Inspect it for leaves, small animals, limbs,

and any other kind of debris that could become a fire hazard. Some homeowners opt to clean

their chimney themselves, but it’s typically better to bring out a professional chimney sweep. Not

only will it save you time, but a pro will better be able to recognize and address creosote

buildup, as well as any deterioration and venting problems.

Getting your home ready for winter can help you prevent a lot of problems when the cold

weather hits. Remember to start with a plan and a checklist, and perform some basic lawn

maintenance before the first frost hits. Also, consider getting a shed if you need a place to store

your outdoor equipment, inspect the exterior of your home for any potential problems, and make

sure the interior of your home is well-sealed. Finally, inspect your chimney to ensure it’s clean

and safe.

Once you’ve tackled the outside, it’s time to prep the inside. And the first step here is having

your home professionally cleaned from top to bottom! The experts at Niki's Cleaning Services

use the best cleaning products to help make your home exceptionally clean. You can also count

on dependable, friendly service. Call today for an appointment! 503-593-0474