Winter and Fall are looming as well as all of the weather and home preparations that come along with it. It is time to start thinking about ways to get your home and yard ready for the colder months. If you are like most people, you probably don’t think about the winter months until it is too late. Do not let that happen this year! Winterizing your home can be a daunting task, but if you take the time to do it now, you will be glad you did it when the freezing weather hits. Home preparation starts with getting your home in order. This means cleaning and preparing all of the surfaces that will be touched by the elements. Here are some helpful tips for preparing your home for the winter and fall months so that you can be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
Winter Home Preparation Checklist:
Preventing Ice Dams on Your Roof
An ice dam is a buildup of ice on the edge of your roof. This frozen piece of Ice melts much slower than the rest of the snow on your roof. After the snow melts the water does not have anywhere to go because of the ice dam. This can cause standing water on your roof and could lead to a massive leak in your roof. The best way to prevent the occurrence of an ice dam is to make sure that your roof is in good repair. This means that there are no cracks or holes in your roof. If there are any, they need to be repaired as soon as possible. Another way to prevent ice dams is to make sure that your gutters are clean and free of debris.
Flip Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are one of the most underrated tools in home preparation. Most people do not think of using them in the winter, but they can actually be immensely helpful. All you have to do is flip the switch on the side of the fan so that the blades rotate in the opposite direction. This will push the warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room. This is especially helpful with rooms with high ceilings. Always Remember that stifling air rises and reversing your fans will disperse the heat throughout the room making it easier for your home to warm itself.
Have a Professional Furnace Inspection Done Prior to when Everyone Else Does.
Furnace technicians, like any other trade job, are dwindling quickly and makes the current technicians remarkably busy during the winter and fall months. With that being said, it is always a clever idea to have a technician come out to your home just to make sure that your furnace is performing at its top efficiency. If something were to happen in the winter, it could be months before a professional will be able to come out and fix or replace your furnace. Do not take the chance of having a cold home and call a technician prior to the winter. Usually, these check-ups only cost around $100 and could save you money in the long run.
Complete a Thorough Check of Your Roof
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to complete a thorough check of your roof. This means checking for any cracks, holes, or other damage that could allow water or snow to enter your home. Also check for flashing around your chimney and roof vents to see if there is any loose flashing or flashing that has holes. We have created an article on how to find a leak in your roof. If you do find a hole or leak it is extremely important to get it fixed as soon as possible so that no major water damage is done.
Re-caulk around Windows & Doors
One of the places that heat escapes from your home is through cracks and gaps around your windows and doors. The best way to prevent this from happening is to re-caulk any cracks or gaps that you may have. You can purchase caulking at any hardware store. You will also need a caulking gun which can be rented at most hardware stores. This will help to seal any gaps that might allow freezing air to enter your home. You should also check the weather stripping around your doors to make sure that it is in good condition and is sealing properly. If you have any windows that are cracked or broken, you should replace them as soon as possible. If your windows are beyond a simple repair or if they are no longer at their optimal performance, contact us and let us show you the what the benefits are of installing new replacement windows into your home.
Clean Out Your Gutters Throughout the Fall Months
One of the most important home preparations for winter is to make sure that your gutters are clean. This is important because leaves and other debris can cause your gutters to clog. When your gutters clog, it can cause water to back up and enter your home and will also increase the weight of your gutters making it possible for your gutters to completely fall off. This can cause major damage to your home and be awfully expensive to repair. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow. Snow can accumulate in your gutters and cause them to collapse. This can cause severe damage to your home. If you are not able to clean your gutters yourself, a professional gutter cleaner can do this for around $150 depending on the size of your home.
Also, make sure that your downspouts are clear and that they are clearing water at least 3 feet away from your home’s foundation.
Cover Exterior Faucets During Wintertime.
If you live in a climate where the temperature drops below freezing, it is important to take extra precautions when it comes to the exterior faucets in your home. If you are using a private water line, it is important to make sure that the water is turned off at the main shut off valve. This is because if the water line is frozen, it can burst and cause major damage to your home. If you are using city water, make sure that all of the faucets on your property are shut off and that the faucets get covered by a cover during the winter.
Clean Out Attic Vents
Having adequate attic ventilation is important to ensure that your home is comfortable and healthy for those living inside. The easiest way to clean out these vents is by using either a air compressor, vacuum cleaner, or a leaf blower. Adequate attic ventilation also helps to extend the life of your roof by reducing the amount of heat and moisture that can build up in the attic during the summer months. But by doing so in the winter your roof will be able to When cleaning out your attic vents, be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask to avoid getting any dust or debris in your eyes or mouth. The most important step is to make sure that the area around the vent is clear of any debris. This means removing any leaves, dust, or other particles that might be blocking the airflow. Once the area is clear, you can begin cleaning the vents themselves for maximum efficiency.
Clean Out Your Chimney
Chimney fires are a severe problem in the United States. Each year, thousands of homes are damaged by chimney fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chimney fires are the leading cause of property damage and loss in the United States. Most chimney fires start when smoke particles and debris build up in the flue of the chimney. One of the ways that you can help prevent these fires is to make sure that you clean your chimney regularly. You should have your chimney cleaned at least once a year by a professional chimney sweeper. If you have a wood burning fireplace, you should also have your chimney inspected for cracks and other damage.
Replace Your Homes Air Filter
If you are like most Americans, you spend a lot of time indoors. This can mean that the air that you breathe is not as clean as it could be. One of the ways that you can improve the air quality in your home is to replace your home’s air filter. This is a relatively simple task that can be done by just about everyone. In order to keep your home healthy and safe, it is important to replace your home’s air filter on a regular basis. Air filters are designed to trap larger particles and dirt that can be harmful to your family. By replacing your air filter on a regular basis, you will help to improve the air quality in your home and reduce the chance of allergies and other respiratory problems. Air filters can be purchased at about any local hardware store.
Winterize Your Pool or Spa
When winter arrives, it is important to make sure that your pool or spa is ready for the chilly weather. This means that you need to make sure that the pool is clean and that all of the equipment is in good condition. Follow the manufacturers guidance on how to winterize your pool or spa or call a professional pool service for help.
Clear Your Sprinkler System Prior to Winter
The best way to clear your sprinkler system is to use a blowout adapter. You screw the adapter to an air compressor, open all of your system’s valves, and turn on the compressor. The compressed air will push all the water out of your pipes. You should then turn off your valves and open your bleeder screws to release any remaining water. If you do not own a compressor that is powerful enough to push the water out of your sprinkler system completely you can rent a compressor from a local home improvement store that supplies rentals. It’s important to make sure your sprinkler system is turned off and all the water is drained from the pipes before winter sets in. If you don’t, you run the risk of the pipes freezing and bursting, which can cause extensive damage to your home.
Protect Your Patio Furniture
We all know how expensive patio furniture is and keeping it nice is of the upmost importance for it to be long lasting and looking its best. Protecting your patio furniture is important during the winter. Make sure that you cover your patio furniture with a tarp or a heavy blanket if it is not in use. This will help to protect the furniture from the snow and ice that can accumulate on it. Additionally, make sure that your patio furniture is placed in a sheltered area when not in use.
Home Prepping for the Inevitable Winter
Winter is inevitable. No matter how much we may dislike it, every year it comes without fail. As a result, it is important to make sure that your home prepping for the colder months is thought through and planned. Plan a day with your family or the help of a friend and knock out the tasks. There are several things that you can do to make sure that your home is ready for winter. Winterizing your home may come at a cost but that cost outweighs the cost of fixing your home because you did not prepare your home correctly.
Contact DaBella If Your Home Signs of Aging
DaBella is the leading home improvement company in the industry. We offer architectural asphalt roofs, James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding, energy efficient vinyl windows, and transformative bath remodels to homeowners across 15 states and 38 locations across the US (United States). If your home is showing its age and it is time for a replacement project to prepare for the winter, DaBella is the answer for all your home improvement replacement needs. Contact us today at 844-DaBella today for a free no-obligation estimate on your next home improvement project.
