With the price of electricity and gas as well as the economic slowdown protecting your home is just as crucial as ever. A winter-proofed home can safeguard your home from harm caused by the harsh winter weather. If you properly seal your home, you will also be able to protect your finances by keeping warm air inside and a cool winter breeze out. Utilize this handy checklist to get started protecting your home from the elements this winter.
Winterproof Your Exterior
Make sure you have a roof.
Heavy snowfall on a roof that is damaged can swiftly cause problems. A damaged roof can provide a way for the water will slowly soak into your home, causing damage as well as mildew, mold and other issues. Examine your roof for leaks and weak spots. Repair them to stop any further damage to your house and also to ensure that water is kept on the outside.
Examine your bricks
Examine your foundation and bricks for signs of damage. Water can get into cracks and then freeze. The ice could quickly cause damage to the foundation and walls and allow the process to continue and cause more damage. Be sure to check for cracks and seal or fill them to safeguard your foundation from destruction.
Cleanse the gutters
The removal of debris from gutters permits melting snow and ice to flow away from your home, thus protecting your property against water-related damage. Check the structure of your gutters to identify damages and fix any areas that are damaged. The weight of snow and ice could harm gutters that are in need of repairs. Be proactive to avoid any further damage and repair gutters before the snow arrives.
Install gutter covers
After you’ve taken the time to clean your gutters and make repairs take into consideration buying gutter guards to ensure that debris is kept out, the autumn season typically means fallen leaves that quickly accumulate inside your drains. It could require frequent cleaning to ensure that your drainage system is in good working order. When you’ve got your gutters cleared and the ladder swept away, put in gutter covers to make sure that the water stays away from your house.
Make sure you take care of your trees.
The combination of ice, snow and winter winds can cause significant harm to trees. The weight of ice and snow can weaken branches, damaging your home or your car. It can also cause damage to any person walking through. Cut dead branches off your trees and also from areas that are at risk, like your driveway and close to your home. This will not only shield you from harm but also assist the tree in growing more robust and preventing diseases.
Repair the handrails and steps.
Handrails, steps and walkways are crucial all through the year. In the winter months, walking paths that are slippery can make even small distances risky. Be sure to repair any damage to your walkways and seal the cracks to stop any further damage caused by the growing ice. Be sure that handrails are secured, too. Keep plenty of ice melt in your bag, as well as a snow shovel, in order to keep walk routes clear and safe.
Seal any cracks or openings
Be sure that all openings and cracks in the walls to vents and pipes are sealed to stop water from entering. Drafts are also an issue with any open space. Water that is frozen can grow in gaps and cause destruction to foundations. In the winter months, bugs search for warm places, and any space large enough to allow them through is an opportunity for them to invade your home as well. Take the time to check your home for holes that require sealing. Make use of foam sealant or caulk to quickly and easily seal any gaps.
Winterize Your Interior
Secure all windows and doors to keep out drafts
Be sure that all windows and doors are correctly sealed and well-insulated against wind and water. Protect windows with clear plastic so that they let sunlight enter and block cold air from getting in through the glass. Examine weather-stripping for tears, cracks or other issues, and replace as needed. Make use of a candle to look for leaks, then fill it with caulk and other sealants to prevent the cold breezes that can increase your heating costs.
Make use of curtains that are insulated.
If covering your windows with plastic seems unattractive or unusual for you, think about buying curtains with insulation. They can shield you from drafts while looking stylish and discrete. If a day of warmth is approaching, they will be easy to open to let fresh air into your home.
Clean your chimneys
Clean your chimneys regularly to avoid clogging and the risk of fire. If you’re not likely to use your fireplace, ensure to seal it off to stop heat and drafts from leaving. Make sure to keep the area around your fireplace free of any potential fire hazards. Also, be sure you check the expiration date of the fire extinguisher in the event of.
Keep your home warm
The importance of keeping your home within a specific temperature range is vital during the winter months when temperatures are cold. Pipes that burst is commonplace this time of year. The best method to avoid this calamity from happening is to maintain a constant temperature in your home. Keep in mind that the temperature inside your basement and walls is much colder than that of your home. So, ensure that your thermostat is set at 65 degrees to keep the pipes from getting frozen.
Incorporate an additional layer of insulation
Attics, basements, as well as crawl spaces can be particularly demanding for the heating systems as well as your budget. Insulate these areas to keep warm air inside and keep cold air outside. This will also prevent pipes from breaking and flooding your home, which can cause thousands of dollars of damage.
Examine carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
The danger of fire increases significantly during winter. It is essential to check your smoke detectors regularly and change the batteries. The best guideline is to put one smoke detector in each bedroom and, at minimum, one detector for each floor in your home. Created by heating systems as well as fireplaces, carbon monoxide can also be an issue. Filtration of vents can result in excessive levels of gas which can cause a lot of harm and even cause death. Consider investing in carbon monoxide detectors to inform you of any possible dangers and to protect your family.
Cleanse your heating systems
Get a qualified heating technician to take care of your heating system to prevent blockages and fires. Make sure you replace your filters on a regular basis and clean your vents, also. This will increase the efficiency of your heating and lower the cost of heating. Clean vents can prevent allergies as well as get rid of dust and allergens that have accumulated.
Make sure you wrap your pipes around and know the shut-offs.
Inspect your pipes for damages and leaks that could cause weak points if pressure builds. Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing. Also, install the pressure release valve to stop the system from freezing. Be aware of where the shut-off valves are in the event that your pipes explode. Be sure that they’re accessible and that your family members know their location of them.