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Once homeowners realize that winter is just around the corner, they are immediately getting busy preparing their homes for the cold season. You, as well, have to follow suit and take timely actions to fully prepare your home for the cold.
It’s crucial to know that the cold weather brings along snow, ice, and chilling winds that can cause damage to your home. That is why it is imperative for you to winter-proof it.
However, if you live in an area with freezing winters, you may find it challenging to prepare for your home to survive the cold. You also have to factor in numerous considerations, like saving money on heating.
There is also the challenge of minimizing potential damage to your home and making sure it endures extreme conditions by maintaining your home’s energy efficiency.
With these factors bombarding you, you may ask: how can I effectively prepare our home for the winter season? On that note, here are several key tips on winter preparations for your home.
1. Reapply Caulk To The Doors And Windows
Recaulking should be a part of your seasonal maintenance routine to prevent water damage and heat loss in your home during the winter, which may lead to skyrocketing utility bills. Using a caulk gun makes the task manageable for many homeowners.
Construction worker using silicone sealant caulk the outside window frame.
When caulking any heat exits, apply the material outside the perimeter of your doors’ and windows’ molding. Consider using exterior silicone caulk due to better resistance to extreme temperatures since it will not shrink and expand as the seasons change.
2. Tune Up Your Home’s Heating System
The upcoming winter season is the time of the year when the heating system will constantly be operational. If you want the system to function optimally during these months, whether it’s electric or gas, scheduling an inspection by a technician is advisable. The technician will perform a thorough cleaning and tuning up of the furnace.
You should also check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries annually and do a test run if your model allows. It’s crucial to remember that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, yet highly dangerous gas.
Having functional detectors plays a key role in ensuring the safety of your home during the winter season.
3. Trim The Tree Branches
If you reside in an area with a high incidence of winter storms, trim the branches of trees on your property, especially those close to your home. Large trees around your home with branches hovering over the roof can put your home at risk of damage if a severe winter storm is coming.
The best approach is to ensure that all tree branches and limbs around your home should be a minimum of three feet away from your home.
4. Clean The Gutters And Downspouts
Cleaning the gutters and downspouts should be a routine chore every season, but doing it before winter is the most critical. When your area endures heavy snow during winter, the roof has to bear extra weight. Once the gutters have excessive weight on them, they’re likely to tear away from your home.
If you overlook the importance of cleaning the gutters, it puts your home at risk for water damage due to the winter elements. Once the snow and ice melt and solidify again overnight, it can result in costly repairs.
Remember that the water should have an uninterrupted flow once it melts to ensure it’ll not puddle around your home.
After cleaning the gutters and ensuring the downspouts don’t have any blockages, inspect for sagging. You must also secure the gutter hangers and downspout brackets to be ready for excess weight and replace any damaged or worn-out components.
5. Schedule A Roof Inspection
One of the crucial steps in preparing your home for the winter is to schedule a roof inspection, which should only be done by a professional. The professional you’ll hire should be able to inspect the roof while performing the necessary minor repairs carefully.
Think of a roof inspection as a worthwhile investment to ensure it’s ready to face the weather elements during the cold season.
6. Inspect The Chimney
Inspecting and thoroughly cleaning the chimney before winter arrives is also necessary for homeowners with a fireplace. As wood burns, the creosote deposits can steadily accumulate on the chimney’s interior.
Unfortunately, allowing creosote is detrimental in the long run since it’s potentially cancerous and highly flammable. Excessive buildup in the chimney can cause the smoke from the fire to ignite, resulting in a chimney fire. Therefore, make it a priority to have the chimney routinely inspected to lower the risk of fire.
Final Thoughts
Winter is a much-awaited time of the year for many, but it brings weather elements that can take a toll on your home and lead to skyrocketing utility bills. That is why it’s important to prepare your home.
With the help of these insightful tips, you can lower the chances of damage to your home while also maintaining energy efficiency.
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