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Protecting your home from the elements is important as winter approaches. Here are a few tips to help you weather the winter months:
Examine your Roof
Winter weather can strain your home’s roof, especially old ones. High winds, rain, or snowfall can cause damage, and leaves or debris could clog gutters and create build-up.
By taking care of your roof now, you may avoid any costly repairs or replacements in the future and increase your home’s value.
It’s crucial to have your roof inspected by a professional before winter weather arrives. They will be able to check for any missing or loose shingles, blocked gutters, potential sources of mold and decay, etc. By ensuring that your roof is in good condition before the bad weather hits, you can help prevent any truly serious damage from occurring.
Clean the Gutters
Clogged gutters can cause extensive damage to a home if they are not cleaned out regularly, especially in the autumn when leaves fall. In addition, when rain has nowhere to go because of all the debris in the gutters, it will seep into areas such as walls, fascias, siding, soffits, and basements, causing possible long-term harm.
If you want to eliminate this issue, you have two options: clear the debris by yourself using a ladder or hire local professionals who can do it without any danger.
Another solution is to install gutter guards, which cover your gutters and protect them from leaves and other things that might fall on them. This way, you won’t need to clean them as often because the guard will collect the debris instead.
Furthermore, keeping your gutters unclogged and inspecting your roof can help avoid ice dams. Ice dams occur when heat seeps through your roof and melts the snow. The thawing snow then refreezes as ice on top of or in your gutter. An ice dam could ruin your shingles or cause leaks on higher floors in your home if left unchecked.
Inspect your Home for Air Leaks
If your windows, doors, or walls have leaks, it can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. And if you live somewhere that gets cold easily, the indoor temperature will drop even further. The good news is that it’s easy to check for leaks in your home and seal them so that no warm air escapes.
Inspect your home’s window frames and doors for cracks that might let cold air inside. A good way to identify gaps that need sealing is to feel for cold air drafts; these will be most noticeable near vents, phone lines, or any potential opening from your home to the outside.
The Department of Energy recommends uncovering external air leaks in your home with a visual inspection and pressurization test. If any gaps or cracks are found, use caulk or weather stripping to fill them in and prevent cold air from coming inside.
Another way to make your home more energy-efficient is by adding window insulation film, which will help trap heat. This is especially effective if your windows are single-pane or drafty. And, if you live somewhere with many winter storms, consider installing storm windows or a door.
Get Your Heating System Checked
Checking your heating system before winter starts is a good idea, especially before HVAC companies get too booked for the season.
A professional will examine your heating and ventilation system to ensure it is functioning properly, which can help keep your indoors warm and prevent frozen or defective pipes.
Another way to prepare your home for winter is by examining your water heater to ensure it functions beautifully. The water heater is vital to your plumbing system as it provides warmth to the rest of the house.
If not kept in pristine condition, the liquid inside the tank and pipes has a higher risk of freezing. To avoid this hazard, bring in a professional plumber to evaluate everything before winter begins.
Clear Walkways, Paths, and Driveways
Before winter begins, it’s important to keep your walkways and driveway clear of debris. De-icing solutions, such as salt or sand, can help to prevent weather-related damage. Inspect any steps or railings for damage periodically throughout the season.
Preparing your house for winter doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Simply work at implementing the tips suggested, and you’re well on your way to enjoying winter in your cozy space.
