Winterizing your backyard: a 10-step checklist
In order to prepare the courtyard house for winter, before the first frosts, it is necessary to check the roof and gutters, water pipes, heating system, chimney, window and door gaps, empty the water lines in the yard and make a backup plan against power outages. If you do these things in the fall, you'll avoid unexpected maintenance costs and much of the worry in the winter. Below we explain each step in a simple checklist.
Roof and Gutters: Clear the Path for Water
In winter, water from above causes the most damage to a home. When the snow melts or it rains for a long time, a small defect in the roof turns into a stain on the ceiling and moisture on the wall. Therefore, it makes sense to start the list from the roof.
- 1. Inspect the roof. Note broken or dislodged tiles, cracked slate sheets, rusted and loose areas in the iron cladding. Pay special attention to the joints around the chimney and antenna, as water leaks most often from these points. If it is dangerous to go on the roof, entrust this work to an experienced craftsman.
- 2. Clean the gutters. Leaves, twigs and dust that accumulate in the fall clog the gutter. Water freezes in a clogged trough, and the weight of the ice can bend or dislodge the trough. After cleaning, check that the water is flowing freely by pouring a bucket of water, and make sure that the downspout is leading the water away from the wall and foundation.
Water pipes and water lines in the yard
A frozen pipe means a water cut, as well as cracks and leaks. Mitigating this risk is often inexpensive.
- 3. Insulate exposed pipes. Pipes that run in a basement, under kitchen cabinet, along an exterior wall, or in an unheated storage room are the first to freeze. Covering them with foam insulation covers sold at hardware stores is a simple and quick solution. Don't forget the box where the water meter is located.
- 4. Drain the water lines in the yard. Garden irrigation lines, yard faucets and hoses should be drained before the cold weather. If the yard line has a separate shut-off faucet, turn it off, then turn on the outside faucet and drain the remaining water. Collect the hoses and store them in a dry place.
If you will not be home for a long time in the winter, also consider turning off the main water tap and draining the system.
Heating system and chimney
- 5. Test the heating system. Run the combi or boiler for a few hours before the cold starts. See if the radiators are all warmed up equally; In the radiator, the upper part of which remains cold, air usually accumulates and must be released with a special key. Check the pressure indicator, if you notice an unusual sound or smell, call a specialist. Do not tamper with natural gas equipment yourself.
- 6. Inspect and clean the chimney. If you use a stove or fireplace, soot and bird nests build up in the chimney are both a fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Make sure the smoke is well removed, if the house has a carbon monoxide sensor, check its battery. Store firewood or charcoal in a dry place protected from rain.
Between windows and doors
- 7. Close gaps and cracks. On a windy day, put your hand close to the edges of the window frame, the front door; if air flow is felt, heat is lost there. Replace worn-out rubber seals, fill the cracks between the frame and the wall with sealant or mounting foam. A simple tape under the door can be enough for the space under the door.
These small works help to keep the heat in the house and cause less load on the heating system. Winters are cold in Nakhchivan, and the weather is harsher in mountainous areas, so don't delay this step.
Yard, garden tools and lighting
- 8. Collect garden tools and yard items. Clean and dry your shovel, spade, pruning shears, hose and garden furniture. Wiping and lightly oiling metal tools protects them from rust. Cut dry branches from trees that lean towards the roof of the house or power lines, because such branches break under the weight of snow.
- 9. Check the yard lighting. In winter, the days are short, and the yard, steps, and gate area get dark quickly. Replace non-burning bulbs, check that outdoor sockets and cable covers are in place and waterproof. Motion-sensing lights are useful for both convenience and safety. Also keep a supply of sand for de-icing steps.
Backup plan: in case of power or heat failure
- 10. Prepare a backup plan. Carry a flashlight, spare batteries, a charged portable battery, warm blankets, a few days worth of drinking water, and non-perishable food. If you have an alternative heat source in your home, explain its safe use to family members. Write the phone numbers of the handyman, electric and gas services in an accessible place.
Contacting the neighbors is also useful: someone can keep an eye on the yard when you are away for a long time. If you're planning to buy a patio home, use this list during your inspection, as the roof, gutters, pipes, and heating system say a lot about the overall condition of the home. You can see the options for sale in courtyard house and villa ads.
Frequently asked questions
When should you start winterizing a courtyard house?
It is best to start in mid-autumn, before the first night frosts. At this time, the weather is still favorable for roof and yard work, and work can be done without rushing.
What to do if a pipe is frozen?
First, turn off the main water faucet so that when the ice melts, the water does not overflow. Warm the frozen part slowly with a hair dryer or a hot towel, do not use an open flame. If you see a crack in a pipe, call a handyman.
Can I do all of these things myself?
You can often do things like gutter cleaning, pipe insulation, window sealing, and yard cleanup yourself. It is safer to leave the work on the roof, gas equipment and electrical lines to a specialist.
Are you looking for a winter-ready, well-maintained backyard or do you want to put your house up for sale? The Evim Real Estate team helps you find the right option and present your home correctly in Nakhchivan. Write or call us via the contact page.
