Preparing Your Newport Beach Property for the Winter

As the colder months approach, it's crucial for Newport Beach property owners to properly prepare their homes for the winter season. At McKibben Real Estate, we understand the importance of maintaining your property's value and protecting it from potential winter-related damages. In this blog post, we will provide you with essential maintenance tips specifically tailored to Newport Beach properties, ensuring that your home remains in optimal condition throughout the winter.

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1.) Inspect and Clean your gutters:

Clearing out any debris or leaves from your gutters will prevent water from overflowing and causing damage to your property's foundation. Our team at McKibben Real Estate recommends scheduling this task before the winter rains hit Newport Beach. Newport Beach is a beautiful city with a Mediterranean climate, but this also means that it can experience heavy rains during the winter months. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, debris, or other materials, water can overflow and cause damage to your roof, foundation, and landscaping.

Here are some of the reasons why it's important to clean your gutters before the winter rains hit Newport Beach:

• Prevent water damage to your foundation. When gutters are clogged, water can overflow and pool around your foundation. This can lead to cracks and erosion, which can be expensive to repair.
• Protect your roof. Clogged gutters can also cause water to back up onto your roof. This can lead to leaks, which can damage your roof and the interior of your home.
• Prevent ice dams. If water freezes in your gutters, it can form ice dams. Ice dams can block the flow of water and cause it to back up onto your roof and into your home.
• Keep your landscaping healthy. When gutters are clogged, water can overflow and flood your landscaping. This can damage your plants and lawn.

2.) Check your Heating System:

Before the temperature drops, it's crucial to have your heating system inspected and serviced. Ensure that your furnace or HVAC system is in proper working order, and replace filters if needed. This will not only keep your home warm but also improve energy efficiency.

Here are some of the benefits of having your heating system inspected and serviced before the winter:

• Prevent breakdowns. Heating systems can break down at any time, but they are more likely to break down during the winter when they are used most frequently. A professional inspection and service can help to identify and fix any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.
• Improve energy efficiency. A well-maintained heating system is more energy-efficient than a poorly maintained system. This means that you will save money on your heating bills.
• Extend the life of your heating system. Regular maintenance can help to extend the life of your heating system. This means that you will not have to replace your system as often, which can save you money in the long run.
• Improve indoor air quality. Heating systems can circulate dust and other allergens throughout your home. A professional inspection and service can help to clean your heating system and improve your indoor air quality.

3.) Seal Gaps and Cracks

Prevent cold drafts and heat loss by sealing any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and other openings. This will not only improve comfort but also help lower your energy bills. Our experts at McKibben Real Estate can recommend trusted contractors in the Newport Beach area for this task. Sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings is one of the most effective ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air leaks can account for up to 30% of your home's heating and cooling energy costs.

There are a variety of different ways to seal gaps and cracks around your home. Some of the most common methods include:

• Caulking: Caulking is a sealant that is applied to gaps and cracks with a caulking gun. It is typically used to seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings.
• Weatherstripping: Weatherstripping is a sealant that is applied to the edges of windows and doors to create a tight seal. It is typically made of foam or rubber.
• Expanding foam: Expanding foam is a sealant that expands to fill gaps and cracks. It is typically used to seal large gaps, such as those around foundations and chimneys.

When sealing gaps and cracks around your home, it is important to choose the right sealant for the job. Be sure to read the product label carefully and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Here are some tips for sealing gaps and cracks around your home:

• Identify the gaps and cracks. Use a flashlight to inspect your home for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other openings.
• Clean the area. Before applying any sealant, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. This will help the sealant to adhere properly.
• Apply the sealant. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the sealant. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses when working with sealants.
• Allow the sealant to dry. Once you have applied the sealant, allow it to dry completely before using the window or door.

Sealing gaps and cracks around your home is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. By following these tips, you can save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable all year long.

Trusted contractors in the Newport Beach area

If you are not comfortable sealing gaps and cracks around your home yourself, you can hire a professional contractor. Our experts at McKibben Real Estate can recommend trusted contractors in the Newport Beach area who specialize in home energy efficiency.

By hiring a professional contractor, you can be sure that the job will be done correctly and that your home will be protected from the elements.

4.) Trim Trees and Vegetation:

Strong winter storms can cause tree branches to break and damage your property. Hire a professional arborist to trim any overhanging branches and ensure that your trees are in good health. This will minimize the risk of potential damage.

Here are some of the benefits of trimming trees and vegetation before the winter:

• Reduce the risk of damage to your property. Strong winter storms can cause tree branches to break and fall, damaging your roof, siding, windows, and other parts of your home. Trimming trees can help to reduce the risk of this type of damage.
• Improve tree health. Trimming trees can help to improve their overall health and appearance. By removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches, you can help your trees to grow strong and healthy.
• Increase sunlight penetration. Trimming trees can also help to increase sunlight penetration to your lawn and garden. This can be beneficial for your plants and grass, and it can also make your property look more attractive.

When trimming trees, it is important to hire a professional arborist. Arborists have the knowledge and experience to safely and effectively trim trees, and they can also advise you on the best way to care for your trees.

Here are some tips for choosing a professional arborist:

• Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors.
• Check with your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau for accredited arborists.
• Get multiple estimates from different arborists before making a decision.
• Make sure that the arborist you choose is licensed and insured.

Once you have chosen an arborist, be sure to discuss your specific needs with them. Let them know which trees need to be trimmed and what your goals are for trimming. The arborist will be able to develop a plan that meets your needs and budget. Trimming trees is an important part of property maintenance, especially before the winter months. By hiring a professional arborist to trim your trees, you can reduce the risk of damage to your property and improve the health and appearance of your trees.