Winter is on its way, and already Park City is seeing snow. There isn’t much time left to properly winterize your house to make sure it is ready for the freezing weather. Here is your ultimate checklist for getting your place prepped for Jack Frost.

• Caulk Gaps In Doors and Windows – Look at the spacing between the edges of your doors/windows and walls. If there is a gap, you will want to plug it up so it’s not letting in the cold air.

 

• Insulate Outlets and Light Switches – This is as easy as fitting a few pieces of fiberglass sheeting into these holes in the wall, under the plate and switch covers. You can also use a spray foam for a tighter seal.

 

• Clean Out Gutters and Add Extension – Your gutters probably have a whole host of nasty buildup inside of them. Clear them out so nothing is left there over the winter that can create ice dams. Make sure water draining from your gutters is at least four feet from any structures.

 

• Check and Sweep The Chimney – Your chimney might also be hiding some surprises you want to clear out now. Small animals (possibly dead), dirt and ash, debris, insects and more can get up there and stay for months. These are all considerable fire hazards so remove them before you start using your fireplace again. If you don’t use your fireplace often, insulate it to keep cold air out. This can be done with an easily removed pad of fiberglass insulation shoved up into the chimney.

 

• Clean and Cover Your AC Unit – Clean it up, cover it tightly, and make sure there are no exposed areas that can be damaged. Use an insulated cover that protects from the chill.

 

• Test Your Heating System – Heating your home is a must in Park City, so do a little test. Make sure it is running smoothly, and heating properly. Open and close vents as necessary to divert air where you need it. You can also reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air back down and away from the ceiling.

 

• Stock Up On Salt – As the snow gets worse, salt supplies may get low. You don’t want your driveway and sidewalk slippery, so start stocking up now.

 

• Winterize All Pipes, Hoses, and Sprinkler Systems – Your hoses and pipes can retain water and end up freezing, leading to bursts and other major plumbing nightmares. Switch off your sprinklers and blow air through the system.

 

• Winterize Your Lawn – Instead of raking and tossing the leaves, mulch them with the mower to provide a layer of of protection and fertilization for your grass over the winter and into the spring. Don’t forget to prep the gas in your mower to sit for the season.

 

• Take Care Of Decks and Patios – Clean and cover all lawn and patio furniture to protect from snow, ice, and wind. You can also give your deck another coat of wood sealer to protect it against moisture and swelling.

 

• Check Roof Tiles For Damage – Once the snow comes you won’t be able to get safely onto your roof. So go up there now and look for any damaged tiles that might cave or leak under the snow.

 

• Restock Emergency Supplies – Anyone who lives in Park City knows that snow-ins and blizzards can happen. Make sure you have your emergency supplies and winter items totally stocked.

For more information about Park City living and Park City real estate, visit us at Jensen and Company.